WO2024061828A2

WO2024061828A2 - Heat pump assembly, method for the operation thereof and building provided with same

Info

Publication number: WO2024061828A2
Application number: PCT/EP2023/075649
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jakob Metz; Tim Haselwander; Danny Günther; Dirk Ludwig
Original assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.; Viessmann Climate Solutions Se
Priority date: 2022-09-19
Filing date: 2023-09-18
Publication date: 2024-03-28
Also published as: DE102022209850A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump assembly (9) comprising at least one first heat pump (1) with a flow (11) and a return pipe (12), at least one second heat pump (2) with a flow (21) and a return pipe (22), at least one first heat source (3) with a flow (31) and a return pipe (32), and at least one second heat source (4) with a flow (41) and a return pipe (42), wherein the heat pump assembly (9) also contains a collector (5) and a distributer (6), wherein the flow pipes (11, 21) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the return pipes (32, 42) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the distributer (6), and the return pipes (12, 22) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the flow pipes (31, 41) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the collector (5), and a connection pipe (7) is arranged between the distributer (6) and the collector (5). The invention also relates to a building provided with same and to a method for operating a heat pump assembly.

Description

Heat pump arrangement, method for operating the same and building equipped therewith

The invention relates to a heat pump arrangement with at least a first heat pump, with a flow and a return, at least a second heat pump, with a flow and a return, at least a first heat source with a flow and a return and at least a second heat source with a flow and a return. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a heat pump arrangement and a building equipped with it.

From T. You et al. : "A new ground-coupled heat pump system integrated with a multi-mode air-source heat compensator to eliminate thermal imbalance in cold regions", Energy and Buildings 107 (2015) 103, a heat pump arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning is known. This contains an air heat exchanger and a geothermal probe as a heat source. Each heat source is connected to an assigned heat pump, so that different heat pumps are available for heating domestic water on the one hand and for heating buildings on the other. Every heat pump can be connected to every heat source via a pipe network with appropriate switching valves. This means that, depending on the weather and heat requirements, the most suitable heat source can be selected. However, this known arrangement has the disadvantage that adaptation to different operating conditions is only possible to an inadequate extent. Based on the prior art, one object of the invention is to provide a heat pump arrangement which has greater flexibility.

According to one aspect, the invention may relate to a heat pump arrangement. This can contain at least a first heat pump with a flow and a return and/or at least a second heat pump with a flow and a return. In some embodiments, each heat pump can have a condenser and an evaporator and a compressor in a manner known per se, whereby a working medium can be evaporated while absorbing heat in the evaporator and can be condensed while releasing heat in the condenser. In between, in some embodiments, the gaseous working fluid can be compressed using an optional compressor and the liquefied working fluid can be returned via an optional throttle valve. The heat pumps that can be used can be of standard design. The invention does not teach the use of special heat pumps as a solution principle.

Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement can have at least a first heat source and/or at least a second heat source. The two heat sources can be of the same or of different types. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be or contain a geothermal collector installed horizontally beneath the earth's surface and/or a geothermal probe installed in a deep borehole, each of which draws heat from the ground.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source may be or contain an air heat exchanger in order to utilize heat from the outside air. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source may be selected from a solar thermal collector and/or a photovoltaic Thermal collector and/or a solar absorber to make solar heat radiation usable as domestic heat. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can be or contain a groundwater well in order to make heat stored in the groundwater usable as industrial heat. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one heat source can contain or consist of a heat exchanger, which makes waste heat usable as industrial heat. The waste heat can come from a combustion process and/or an industrial manufacturing process and/or a wastewater stream and/or a cooling water stream. When using different heat sources for the first and second heat sources, the flexibility of the heat pump arrangement can be further increased.

In some embodiments of the invention, the heat can be transported between the evaporators of the heat pump arrangement and the heat sources by a heat transfer fluid circulating in pipes. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be liquid. In other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be gaseous. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can undergo a phase transition when heat is supplied or released. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be a frost-proof liquid. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be selected from a salt solution or Brine and/or a water/glycol mixture and/or a thermal oil.

The heat pump arrangement according to one aspect of the invention further has a collector and a distributor, wherein the flow of the first and second heat pumps and the return of the first and second heat sources are connected to the distributor and the return of the first and second heat pumps and the flow of the first and second heat sources are connected to the collector. The heat transfer fluid flows from the collector through a heat source, absorbs heat there and then flows into the distributor. The heat transfer fluid is fed from the distributor to the evaporator of a heat pump, where it releases heat and cools down. The cooled heat transfer fluid flows back into the collector.

Finally, it is provided that a connecting pipe is arranged between the collector and the distributor. The connecting pipe serves as a hydraulic zero point and thus makes it possible to derive a control variable for the heat pump arrangement. Compared to a known heat pump arrangement, the heat pump arrangement according to the invention can have a larger variety of operating states and/or a simplified control system.

In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement can further contain a first pump, which is set up to convey the heat transfer fluid from the distributor into the first heat pump. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement can alternatively or additionally contain a second pump, which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor into the second heat pump. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement can alternatively or additionally contain a third pump, which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector into the first heat source. In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement can alternatively or additionally contain a fourth pump, which is designed to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector into the second heat source. By individually controlling the individual pumps, the volume flows and thus, if the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is known, the heat flows between the individual sources and the individual heat pumps can be influenced, depending on the weather conditions, the condition of the heat sources and the heat requirement of a building different operating or Control strategies can be implemented.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least one flow meter can be present in the connecting pipe. In other embodiments of the invention, at least one temperature sensor can alternatively or additionally be present in the connecting pipe. In still other embodiments of the invention, two or three temperature sensors can be present in the connecting pipe. Since the connecting pipe represents the hydraulic zero point of the pipe network used for the heat transfer fluid, the flow of the heat transfer fluid is controlled or regulated in such a way that the flow within the connecting pipe is below a predeterminable limit value. In some embodiments of the invention, the flow in the connecting pipe comes to a complete standstill. reaches a value that can no longer be measured by the sensor technology used.

In some embodiments of the invention, a flow meter can be used in the connecting pipe to measure the flow within the connecting pipe. In other embodiments of the invention, the temperature or a temperature gradient in the connecting pipe can be determined.

If there is negligible flow in the connecting pipe, the temperature in the middle of the connecting pipe will be approximately the average of the temperature of the collector and the distributor. If more than one temperature sensor is used, these can be placed in the middle of the connecting pipe and at both ends of the connecting pipe.

In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump assembly may further comprise a first three-way valve having a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the collector and the flow of the second heat source and the third connection is connected to the distributor. In addition, the heat pump arrangement can further comprise a second three-way valve with a first connection and a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first and second connections are connected to the distributor and the return of the second heat source and the third connection is connected to the collector. In some embodiments of the invention, alternatively or additionally, the first heat source can also be equipped with two three-way valves, as described above. The three-way valves have the effect that the flow of the heat transfer fluid flowing from the supply to the return during normal operation can be reversed, so that heat can be supplied to the heat source via the return, for example to regenerate a geothermal probe or to defrost an air heat exchanger.

In some embodiments of the invention, the distributor can be formed by a pipe, with the flow of the first heat pump and the return of the first heat source being arranged at a first end of the pipe and the flow of the second heat pump and the return of the second heat source being arranged at a second End of the tube are arranged. Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, the collector can also be formed by a pipe, with the return of the first heat pump being arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return of the second heat pump being arranged at a second end of the pipe. These features have the effect that when both heat pumps and both heat sources are operated in parallel, the heat transfer fluid in the collector or is avoided in the distributor. This can increase the efficiency of the heat pump arrangement because both heat pumps can be operated at different temperature levels and the energy content of the warmer heat source can therefore be fully utilized. According to a further aspect of the invention, this relates to a method for operating a heat pump arrangement with at least a first heat pump, at least a second heat pump, at least a first heat source and at least a second heat source. The method according to this aspect of the invention is characterized in that the heat pump arrangement has at least three operating states.

In a first operating state, heat can be taken from a heat source and supplied to the other heat source. This allows a heat source to be regenerated without having to use heat from external sources, for example from an electrical heating register. Regenerating a heat source can include de-icing an air heat exchanger or introducing heat into a geothermal probe.

In a second operating state, heat can be taken from a single heat source, which is provided as industrial heat via a single heat pump, for example for heating domestic water, for heating buildings or for industrial purposes or for operating a district heating network. The heat pump arrangement allows each heat source to be individually connected to each heat pump, so that there is the greatest possible flexibility in selecting the heat pump and the heat source.

In a third operating state, heat can be taken from the first heat source, which is provided as useful heat via the first heat pump, and heat can be taken from the second heat source, which is provided as useful heat via the second heat pump. This parallel operation is particularly suitable for high load requirements, for example for simultaneous building heating and domestic water heating in winter. If both heat sources are of different types, for example an air heat exchanger and a geothermal probe, the limited Annual work of a geothermal probe can be saved for times when the air heat exchanger only offers inadequate performance due to low outside temperatures. If outside temperatures are very high, heat from the air heat exchanger can be fed into the geothermal probe in order to regenerate it. At temperatures around or below freezing point, if the air heat exchanger tends to ice up, it can be de-iced with heat from the geothermal probe. Through parallel operation, a high heat output can be provided by the heat pump arrangement with at the same time a low risk of overloading a possibly partial load-sized, limited, higher-quality heat source.

In some embodiments of the invention, the heat can be transported between the heat source and the heat pump with a liquid heat transfer fluid, which is conveyed between the heat sources and the heat pumps using an assigned pump. The pumps can be easily influenced via a control or regulating device, so that the flow of the heat transfer fluid can be adapted to the different operating states.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second pumps assigned to the heat pumps can be operated with a constant delivery rate and the third and fourth pumps assigned to the heat sources can be controlled or regulated. This allows the control strategy to be simplified without losing flexibility.

In some embodiments of the invention, the supply and return lines of the heat sources and the heat pumps can be connected to a collector and a distributor, with a connecting pipe being arranged between the distributor and the collector and the pumps being controlled or regulated so that the flow flow through the connecting pipe is below a predetermined limit value. In In some embodiments of the invention the flow is zero or below the measurement limit.

In some embodiments of the invention, control may be accomplished through a translation table. In this case, the temperatures of the heat sources and/or the heat requirement of the building equipped with the heat pump arrangement and/or the temperatures of the heat sinks can be used as input variables and the respective pump speed or Delivery quantity can be read out and set as an initial variable from the conversion table.

In some embodiments of the invention, the control takes place in such a way that the connecting pipe has the average temperature between the collector and distributor. This can be seen as an indication that there is no significant flow of heat transfer fluid through the connecting pipe.

In some embodiments of the invention, the control can be carried out in such a way that a flow meter in the connecting pipe detects a flow below a predeterminable limit value. In some embodiments of the invention, this limit value can be a minimum value or be null.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method according to the invention can have a fourth operating state in which heat is taken from both heat sources and is provided as useful heat via a single heat pump.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using figures without restricting the general idea of the invention. This shows

Figure 1 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a heat pump arrangement according to a third embodiment of the invention.

A first embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. The heat pump arrangement 9 has a first heat pump 1. The first heat pump 1 contains an evaporator 101 and a condenser 102. The evaporator 101 is provided with a flow 11 and a return 12, via which a heat transfer fluid can be supplied to the evaporator 101. The heat from the heat transfer fluid causes the evaporation of a working fluid in the evaporator 101, with heat being removed from the heat transfer fluid so that it cools down. The working fluid is compressed with a compressor 104 and fed to the condenser 102. The working fluid is condensed in the condenser 102 with the release of heat. The heat released in this way can be used as domestic heat for heating buildings, for industrial processes or for heating domestic water. The liquefied working medium is fed back to the evaporator 101 via a throttle valve 103, so that the process described above runs cyclically.

Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement contains a second heat pump 2 with an evaporator 201, a condenser 202, a compressor 204 and a throttle valve 203. The functionality of the second heat pump 2 essentially corresponds to the functionality of the first heat pump 1. The second heat pump 2 also has a flow 21 and a return 22, via which a heat transfer fluid and thus heat can be supplied.

Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement according to the invention has a first heat source 3. The heat source 3 also has a flow 31 and a return 32. The Heat source 3 can be, for example, a geothermal probe, a geothermal collector or even a groundwater well. A cooled heat transfer fluid is supplied to the first heat source 3 via the flow 31, which absorbs heat in the heat source 3 and leaves the first heat source 3 again as heated heat transfer fluid via the return line 32.

Furthermore, the heat pump arrangement has a second heat source 4. The second heat source 4 also has a flow 41 and a return 42. As described above, a cooled heat transfer fluid can be supplied via the flow 41, which absorbs heat and is removed from the heat source 4 at a higher temperature level via the return 42. In some embodiments of the invention, the second heat source 4 may contain an air heat exchanger or a solar collector. In some embodiments of the invention, more than two heat sources can also be present. The first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4 shown represent only the minimum number. Due to their different types, the first and second heat sources 3 and 4 can operate at different temperature levels. about their return 32 or 42 deliver a heat transfer fluid with different temperatures.

The heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat pump arrangement can be liquid or gaseous. A liquid heat transfer fluid can be, for example, a water/glycol mixture or a brine in order to enable working temperatures below the freezing point of water. In other embodiments of the invention, the heat transfer fluid can be a thermal oil. In still other embodiments of the invention, water can be used as a heat transfer fluid when temperatures below freezing are not expected. The heat pump arrangement according to the invention also contains a distributor 6 and a collector 5. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, both the distributor 6 and the collector 5 are formed by a pipe, with the flow 11 of the first heat pump 1 and the return 32 of the first heat source 3 being arranged at a first end of the pipe, and the flow 21 the second heat pump 2 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4 are arranged at a second end of the pipe. In the same way, the return 12 of the first heat pump 1 is arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return 22 of the second heat pump 2 is arranged at a second end of the pipe.

The flow 31 of the first heat source 3 and the flow 41 of the second heat source 4 can also be arranged at the ends of the tube forming the collector 5 or at any point between the ends and the middle of the tube forming the collector 5.

The heat pump arrangement according to the invention further contains a connecting pipe 7, which is arranged between the distributor and the collector. If the distributor 6 on the one hand and the collector 5 on the other hand are each formed by a tube, the connecting tube 7 can be arranged approximately in the middle of the tubes.

The heat pump arrangement further contains an optional first pump 15, which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 into the first heat pump 1. Furthermore, an optional second pump 25 may be present, which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 into the second heat pump 2. Finally, an optional third pump 35 may be present, which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 into the first heat source 3. Finally, an optional fourth pump 45 may be present, which is set up to provide a heat to promote carrier fluid from the collector 5 into the second heat source 4.

When the heat pump arrangement is in operation, the first, second, third and fourth pumps 15, 25, 35 and 45 can each be controlled in such a way that no heat transfer fluid flows in the connecting pipe 7. The connecting pipe 7 thus forms a hydraulic zero point of the fluid circuit of the heat pump arrangement. In order to detect the flow, an optional flow meter 75 can be arranged in the connecting pipe 7 in some embodiments of the invention. The flow meter 75 can be a vane wheel meter or an ultrasonic sensor in a manner known per se. The switching state in which the flow in the connecting pipe 7 comes to a standstill can be detected by the fact that the flow meter 75 does not produce a measured value or displays a measured value below a predetermined limit.

Alternatively or additionally, the flow in the connecting pipe 7 can also be determined by one or more temperature sensors. In the exemplary embodiment shown, three temperature sensors 71, 72 and 73 are shown along the longitudinal extent of the connecting pipe 7.

In some embodiments of the invention, the heat pump arrangement may further include an optional first three-way valve 47 with a first port and a second port and a third port. The first and second connections are connected to the collector 5 and the flow 41 of the second heat source 4. In some embodiments, the third connection can be connected to the flow 42, so that it is indirectly connected to the distributor 6. The third connection is connected to the distributor 6. In addition, the heat pump arrangement may further include an optional second three-way valve 48 with a first port and a second port and a third port. The first and second connections are connected to the distributor 6 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4. The third connection is connected to the collector 5. In some embodiments, the third connection may be connected to the return 41 so that it is indirectly connected to the collector 5. The three-way valves have the effect that the flow of the heat transfer fluid that flows from the flow to the return during normal operation can be reversed, so that heat can be supplied to the heat source via the return, for example to regenerate a geothermal probe or to de-ice an air heat exchanger .

Optionally, the heat pump arrangement can have an electrical heating register 405, which is arranged in a flow or return line of a heat source. This allows an air heat exchanger to be de-iced using auxiliary electrical energy.

The heat pump arrangement according to the invention allows a number of different operating states. This allows the heat pump arrangement to be flexibly adapted to the respective heat requirements of a building equipped with the heat pump arrangement. Furthermore, the use of the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4 can be optimized so that in any weather or Outside temperature results in an advantageous use of the heat pump arrangement.

The heat pump arrangement according to the invention can have a first operating state in which heat is taken from one heat source and supplied to the other heat source. For this purpose, the first and second pumps 15 and 25 are switched off and the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 are controlled so that heat transfer fluid is removed from the collector 5 and fed to a heat source. The heat transfer fluid heated in this way can be supplied to the second heat source 4 via its return line 42 and returned to the collector 5 via the flow line 41. For this The fourth pump 45 can be reversed so that it has a reverse delivery direction compared to normal operation. Alternatively, if the conveyor direction of the fourth pump 45 is identical, the first valve 47 can be controlled in such a way that the connection between the pump 45 and the collector 5 is interrupted and the pump 45 is connected to the distributor 6. In the same way, the second valve 48 is switched so that the return 42 is connected to the collector 5 and the connection between the return 42 and distributor 6 is interrupted.

The first operating state can be selected when regeneration of a heat source with the heat of the other heat source is effective and none of the first and second heat pumps are active. For example, heat from a geothermal probe 3 can be used to defrost or defrost an air heat exchanger used as a second heat source 4. to de-ice. In other embodiments of the invention, heat from an air heat exchanger, which can arise, for example, on hot summer days, can be used to regenerate the geothermal probe. The control of the first operating state can, for example, be carried out predictively based on a weather forecast.

In the second operating state, the first heat source 3 can supply either the first heat pump 1 or the second heat pump 2. If, for example, the second heat pump 2 is to be operated, the cooled heat transfer fluid can be conveyed from the collector 5 via the third pump 35 into the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. There, the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat and leaves the first heat source 3 via the return 32 into the distributor 6. From there, the heat transfer fluid is conveyed via the second pump 25 into the flow 21 of the second heat pump. In the second heat pump 2, heat is extracted from the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooled in this way flows via the return 22 into the collector 5. In the same way as As described above, the first heat pump 1 can also be operated with the first heat source 3. Alternatively, the first heat source 3 can also be replaced by the second heat source 4.

The second operating mode described above is selected when only one heat pump is active. When selecting the respective assigned heat source, in the case of different heat sources, the source can be selected which is advantageous at the respective operating time. For example, efficiency can be optimized by maximizing the source temperature. Further selection criteria include, for example, a sustainable load on a geothermal probe while avoiding overload. Which heat source is advantageous with regard to these goals can be determined, for example, by an outside temperature-related bivalent temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the comparison of the measured or predicted source temperatures can be used to make the decision. In some embodiments of the invention, a predictive selection can also be made taking into account the expected future outside temperatures.

In a third operating state of the heat pump arrangement according to the invention, heat is taken from the first heat source, which is provided as useful heat via the first heat pump. Furthermore, heat is taken from the second heat source, which is provided as domestic heat via the second heat pump. The third operating state therefore involves parallel operation of both heat sources and both heat pumps. Here, cooled heat transfer fluid is removed from the collector 5 by means of the third pump 35 and fed to the first heat source 3 via its flow 31. The heated heat transfer fluid leaves the first heat source 3 via its return line 32 and is fed to the distributor 6 , as described above. The first pump 15 takes the heat from the distributor carrier fluid and supplies this to the first heat pump 1 via the flow 11. The heat transfer fluid cooled in the heat pump 1 leaves the first heat pump 1 via the return line 12 into the collector 5.

In the same way, the fourth pump 45 removes heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 and supplies it to the second heat source 4 via the flow 41. The heat transfer fluid heated in this way leaves the second heat source 4 via its return line 42 into the distributor 6. The second pump 25 removes the heat transfer fluid from the distributor 6 and supplies it to the second heat pump 2 via its flow 21. The heat transfer fluid cooled in this way leaves the second heat pump 2 via its return line 22 and is passed into the collector 5.

Due to the spatial separation of the flow and return lines at different ends of the collector 5 and the distributor 6, mixing of the heat transfer fluid is avoided. This hydraulically assigns a heat source to a heat pump, so that trouble-free and efficient operation is possible even if both heat sources supply a different amount of heat or operate at a different temperature level.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second pumps 15 and 25 can have a constant delivery rate or Speed are operated and the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 assigned to the heat sources 3 and 4 are controlled or. can be regulated so that the flow in the connecting pipe 7 comes to a standstill. This reliably prevents mixing of the heat transfer fluid that is at different temperature levels. The pumps can be controlled using an implementation table depending on the source temperatures or the manipulated variable of the pump of the assigned heat pump. Alternatively, the pumps can be controlled using a known electronic controller.

By dividing the heat sources into two different fluid circuits, it is possible for the temperatures of the heat sources to be far apart without any heat source being discriminated against. If an air heat exchanger or a solar collector is used as the second heat source 4, this prevents the first heat source, for example a geothermal probe, from being burdened by the entire cooling capacity of both heat pumps. This means that the risk of overloading can be reduced even with a partial-load geothermal probe.

In a fourth operating state, a heat pump can be used with both heat sources. Thus, the third and fourth pumps 35 and 45 remove the heat transfer fluid from the collector 5 and supply it to the first and second heat sources 3 and 4, as described above. The heat transfer fluid heated in the respective heat source flows into the distributor 6 via the respective return lines 32 and 42. There the heat transfer fluid is mixed and the temperature is adjusted at the same time.

The first pump 15 or the second pump 25 removes the heat transfer fluid and supplies it to a heat pump, for example the second heat pump 2. The cooled heat transfer fluid flows back into the collector 5 via the return line of the heat pump.

The fourth operating state can be used advantageously, for example, when a heat source, for example an air heat exchanger or a solar collector, provides an outlet temperature at its return that exceeds the permissible inlet temperature of a heat pump. By adding colder heat transfer fluids, for example from a geothermal probe, the inlet temperature can be reduced. Under typical conditions, a geothermal probe can be passively regenerated at the same time due to the still elevated temperature in the collector 5. In some operating states, the admixture can be limited to the necessary level by appropriately controlling the third pump 35 and the fourth pump 45 in order to maximize the efficiency of the heat pumps.

If both heat sources have a similar temperature, for example with a difference of less than 5 K, the fourth operating state can also be used advantageously. If, for example, an air heat exchanger delivers a comparatively low source temperature, the source temperature in the distributor 6 can be raised by adding warmer heat transfer fluid from a geothermal probe without completely loading the geothermal probes.

In a fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger can be de-iced using an electrical heating register 405. For this purpose, the first and second valves 47 and 48 are switched so that the fourth pump 45 can circulate the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the second heat source 4 without the heat transfer fluid being exchanged between the collector 5 and the distributor 6. The fifth operating state can be used in particular if de-icing is not possible due to the first operating state described above. By changing both valves 47 and 48, a combination of operating states 1 and 5 can be made possible, i.e. H . the defrosting of an air heat exchanger using heat from the ground and the heating register 405.

In a sixth operating state, the second heat source 4 can be supplied with heat from the electrical heating register 405, while at the same time one or both heat sources pumps are in operation, as described above with reference to the second, third or fourth operating state.

A second embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIG. 2. The same components of the invention are provided with the same reference numbers, so that the following description is limited to the essential differences.

As Figure 2 shows, the collector 5 and the distributor 6 are replaced by three connecting lines 701, 702 and 703 and six shut-off valves 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86. By controlling the shut-off valves, all of the operating states described above can be realized.

As FIG. 2 shows, the flow 31 of the first heat source 3 is connected to the return 12 of the first heat pump 1 by means of a line 51. The flow 11 of the first heat pump 1 is connected to the return 32 of the first heat source 3 by means of a line 61. The third pump 35 is located in line 61. A third shut-off valve 83 is arranged in line 51.

The flow 21 of the second heat pump 2 is connected to the return 42 of the second heat source 4 via a line 62. In addition, the return line 22 of the second heat pump is connected via a line 52 to the flow line 41 of the second heat source. The fourth pump 45 is located in line 52 and can be bridged with a parallel bypass line. The fifth shut-off valve 85 is located in the bypass line. The fourth shut-off valve 84 and the optional heating register 405 are located in line 62. Alternatively or additionally, the bypass line can also be arranged above the pump 35. Such a bypass line can preferably be present above the smaller pump, which is assigned to the heat source with the lower pressure loss. Alternatively or additionally, the pumps 35 and 45 can also be assigned to the first and second heat pumps, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. It is only essential that a flow of a heat transfer medium can be generated between at least one source 3, 4 and at least one heat pump 1, 2.

The lines 51 and 62 are connected by a first connecting line 701, in which a sixth shut-off valve 86 is arranged. The lines 61 and 52 are connected to a second connecting line 702, which is connected to two shut-off valves 81 and 82. The second connecting line 702 also has a fluid connection to the line 62 at a point between the two shut-off valves 81 and 82.

Finally, lines 51 and 52 are connected by a third connecting line 703.

In the first operating state, which allows heat exchange between the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4, the first shut-off valve 81 and the fifth shut-off valve 85 are open and the third pump 35 is operated. The heat transfer fluid thus flows from the return 32 of the first heat source 3 via the connecting line

702 to the return line 42 of the second heat source 4. The heat transfer fluid flows from the flow 41 of the second heat source through the bypass of the fourth pump 45 and the connecting line

703 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3.

In the second operating state, either heat from the first heat source 3 can be supplied to the first heat pump 1 via the lines 61 and 51. Alternatively, heat from the second heat source 4 can be supplied to the second heat pump 2 via the lines 62 and 52. As a further alternative, heat from the first heat source 3 can be supplied to the second heat pump 2. This is what happens Fluid path from the return 32 of the first heat source via the first connecting line 702 into the line 62, the second shut-off valve 82 is closed. The return 22 leads via the third connecting line 703 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. In the same way, the second heat source 4 can also be connected to the first heat pump 1.

In the third operating state, the shut-off valves 85, 81, 82 and 86 are closed and the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are opened. This enables parallel operation, in which the first heat pump is connected to the first heat source and the second heat pump is connected to the second heat source.

In the fourth operating state, the first heat source is connected to the second heat pump, as described above. In addition, the shut-off valve 84 is opened so that the second heat source 4 is also connected to the second heat pump 2 and the mixed operation described above is made possible.

In the fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger, which can be used, for example, as a second heat source 4, can be de-iced using an optional electrical heating register 405. For this purpose, the shut-off valves 81 and 84 can be closed and the shut-off valve 82 can be opened so that the fourth pump 45 can circulate the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the heat source 4.

A third embodiment of the invention is described with reference to FIG. 3. The same components are given the same reference numbers, so that the following description is limited to the essential differences. The third embodiment of the heat pump arrangement can, in some embodiments, be operated with the method according to the invention. As Figure 3 shows, there are three shut-off valves 81 in the collector 5,

83 and 84 arranged. The second shut-off valve 82 according to the second embodiment described above is realized by a three-way valve 82 with a first port and a second port and a third port.

The first and second connections are connected to the distributor 6 and the return 42 of the second heat source 4. The third connection is connected to the collector 5. In some embodiments, the third connection may be connected to the return 41 so that it is indirectly connected to the collector 5. By controlling the shut-off valves 81, 83 and

84 and the three-way valve 82, all of the operating states described above can be implemented. Due to the lower complexity, the control of the heat pump arrangement 9 can be simplified.

In the first operating state, which allows heat exchange between the first heat source 3 and the second heat source 4, the first and fifth shut-off valves 81 and 85 are open and the three-way valve 82 is switched so that the first and second connections are connected to each other. The third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are closed and the third pump 35 is operated. The heat transfer fluid thus flows from the return 32 of the first heat source 3 via the connecting line 61, the collector 5 and the connecting line 62 to the return 42 of the second heat source 4. From the flow 41 of the second heat source, the heat transfer fluid flows through the fifth valve 85 via the bypass line of the fourth pump 45 and the connecting line 52, the collector 5 and the connecting line 51 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3.

In the second operating state, a heat source can be connected to a heat pump, i.e. H . Either heat is supplied from the first heat source 3 via the lines 61 and 51 to the first heat pump 1 or alternatively heat can be supplied from the second heat source 4 via the lines 62 and 52 of the second heat pump 2 are supplied. For this purpose, the fluid path runs from the return line 32 of the first heat source via the connecting line 61 into the collector 5 and from there to the flow line 11 of the first heat pump 1. The return 12 leads through the open third shut-off valve 83 through the collector 5 and via the connecting line 51 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. The first shut-off valve 81 is closed. In the same way, the second heat source 4 can also be connected to the second heat pump 2 by opening the fourth shut-off valve 84. The optional three-way valve 82 is connected so that the first and second ports are connected to each other.

As a further alternative, heat from the first heat source 3 can be supplied to the second heat pump 2. For this purpose, the fluid path runs from the return line 32 of the first heat source via the connecting line 61 into the collector 5 and from there to the flow line 21 of the second heat pump 2. The return 22 leads through the open fourth and first shut-off valves 84 and 81 through the collector 5 and via the connecting line 51 to the flow 31 of the first heat source 3. The third shut-off valve 83 is closed. In the same way, the second heat source 4 can also be connected to the first heat pump 1 by opening the first and third shut-off valves 81 and 83 and closing the fourth shut-off valve 84.

In the third operating state, the first shut-off valve 81 is closed and the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84 are opened. This enables parallel operation, in which the first heat pump is connected to the first heat source and the second heat pump is connected to the second heat source.

In the fourth operating state, the first heat source 3 is connected to the second heat pump 2 by opening the first and fourth shut-off valves 81 and 84. Through Closing the third shut-off valve 83 prevents flow through the first heat pump 1. The optional three-way valve 82 is connected so that the first and second ports are connected to each other. Both pumps 35 and 45 are then operated, so that the second heat pump 2 is supplied with heat from both heat sources 3 and 4 on the one hand and, on the other hand, heat is exchanged between the two heat sources 3 and 4, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. This mixed operation can also be implemented with the first heat pump 1 by switching the third and fourth shut-off valves 83 and 84, whereby flow through the second heat pump is avoided.

In the fifth operating state, an air heat exchanger, which can be used, for example, as a second heat source 4, can be de-iced using an optional electrical heating register 405. For this purpose, the three-way valve 82 can be switched so that the first and third connections are connected to each other, i.e. H . The heat transfer fluid flows from the return 42 directly to the flow 41 of the second heat source 4. The shut-off valve 85 is closed and the fourth pump 45 delivers the heat transfer fluid between the heating register 405 and the heat source 4.

The third embodiment allows a combination of the fifth and second operating states with both heat pumps 1 and 2.

If the optional three-way valve 82 is omitted in some embodiments of the invention, defrosting can take place with flow through the evaporator 201 of the second heat pump 2. In this embodiment, the second operating state can run simultaneously with the first heat pump 1. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The above description is therefore not to be viewed as limiting, but rather as illustrative. The following claims are to be understood as meaning that a stated feature is present in at least one embodiment of the invention. This does not exclude the presence of other features. If the claims and the above description define “first” and “second” embodiments, this designation serves to distinguish two similar embodiments without establishing a ranking.

Claims

Claims heat pump arrangement (9) with at least a first heat pump (1) with a flow (11) and a return (12), at least one second heat pump (2) with a flow (21) and a return (22), at least one first heat source (3) with a flow (31) and a return (32) and at least one second heat source (4) with a flow (41) and a return (42), characterized in that the heat pump arrangement (9) further comprises a collector (5 ) and a distributor (6), the flow (11, 21) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the return (32, 42) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) being connected to the distributor (6 ) is connected and the return (12, 22) of the first and second heat pumps (1, 2) and the flow (31, 41) of the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are connected to the collector (5) and between the A connecting pipe (7) is arranged between the distributor (6) and the collector (5). Heat pump arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a first pump (15) which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor (6) into the first heat pump (1) and/or a second pump (25) which is set up to do so. to convey a heat transfer fluid from the distributor (6) into the second heat pump (2) and/or a third pump (35), which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector (5) into the first heat source (3) and/or a fourth pump (45), which is set up to convey a heat transfer fluid from the collector (5) into the second heat source (4). Heat pump arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one flow meter (75) is present in the connecting pipe (7) and/or that at least one temperature sensor (71, 72, 73) is present in the connecting pipe (7). Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second heat sources (3, 4) are set up to generate heat from the outside air and/or from solar radiation and/or from the ground and/or from groundwater and/or from a waste heat stream. Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second three-way valve (48) with a first port and a second port and a third port, the first and second ports being connected to the distributor (6) and the return line (42) of the second Heat source (3) are connected and the third port is connected to the collector (5) and further contains a first three-way valve (47) with a first port and a second port and a third port, the first and second ports being connected to the collector (47). 5) and the flow (41) of the second heat source (4) are connected and the third connection is connected to the distributor (6). Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a control or regulating device which is set up to control the first, second, third and fourth pumps so that the flow through the connecting pipe (7) is below a predeterminable limit value. Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distributor (6) is formed by a pipe, the flow (11) of the first heat pump (1) and the return (32) of the first heat source (3) being connected to one arranged at the first end of the tube are and the flow (21) of the second heat pump (2) and the return (42) of the second heat source (4) are arranged at a second end of the pipe. Heat pump arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the collector (5) is formed by a pipe, the return (12) of the first heat pump (1) being arranged at a first end of the pipe and the return (22) the second heat pump (2) is arranged at a second end of the pipe. Building with a heat pump arrangement (9) according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for operating a heat pump arrangement (9) with at least a first heat pump (1), at least a second heat pump (2), at least a first heat source (3) and at least one second heat source (4), characterized in that in a first operating state heat is taken from a heat source (3, 4), which is supplied to the other heat source (4, 3), and in a second operating state from a single heat source (3, 4) Heat is taken, which is provided as domestic heat via a single heat pump (1, 2), and in a third operating state, heat is taken from the first heat source (3), which is provided as domestic heat via the first heat pump (1) and the second heat source (4) Heat is removed, which is provided as domestic heat via the second heat pump (2). Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the heat is transported between the heat source (3, 4) and the heat pump (1, 2) with a liquid heat transfer fluid, which is transported with at least one pump (15, 25, 35, 45) between the heat sources ( 3, 4) and the heat pumps (1, 2). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second pumps (15, 25) assigned to the heat pumps (1, 2) are operated with a constant delivery rate and the third and fourth pumps (35, 45) assigned to the heat sources (3, 4). ) can be controlled or regulated. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the flow and return lines (31, 32, 41, 42, 11, 12, 21, 22) of the heat sources (3, 4) and the heat pumps (1, 2 ) are connected to a collector (5) and a distributor (6), and a connecting pipe (7) is arranged between the distributor (6) and the collector (5), the pumps (35, 45) being controlled or regulated in this way that the flow through the connecting pipe (7) is below a predeterminable limit value. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the control is carried out by a conversion table or that the regulation is carried out in such a way that the connecting pipe (7) has the mean temperature between the collector (5) and the distributor (6) or that the regulation is carried out in such a way that a Flow meter (75) in the connecting pipe (7) detects a flow below a predeterminable limit value. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that in a fourth operating state, heat is taken from both heat sources (3, 4), which is provided as useful heat via a single heat pump (1, 2).