OUTDOOR ENERGY-STORAGE DEVICE

Description

The invention relates to an outdoor energy-storage device of a system for the air conditioning of interior spaces of a building. Such an outdoor energy-storage device is arranged outside the building and is at least partially sunken in the ground.

A system for the air conditioning of interior spaces of a building may comprise an energy store for energy transmission and energy storage with a water heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir is arranged outside the building, whereas a heat pump for the water heat exchanger and the building is arranged inside the building. Further building services components, for example heating and hot water, are likewise arranged inside the building. Although the devices are easily accessible and protected inside the building, they still require a significant amount of space.

GB 2 076 139 A shows a heat transfer device with a water heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir as a heat storage device to which exhaust air is directed, and an air heat exchanger which is placed in the exhaust air flow. Heat pumps are provided not only for the water heat exchanger but also for the air heat exchanger. The heat pump is arranged so that exhaust air flows over it and the air is preheated by the heat pump's motor-compressor unit before coming into contact with the heat storage medium and then transfers the heat to the heat storage medium.

DE 10 2020 119 653 B3 relates to a system for the air conditioning of interior spaces of a building, which are connected via at least one exhaust air duct, one or more interior spaces being provided with an air conditioning unit which has a supply of outside air and delivers supply air or recirculated air to the interior(s). The air conditioning unit is connected to a fluid circuit of a heat pump, wherein the exhaust air duct and another fluid circuit of the heat pump is connected to an energy store located outside the building. The energy store is designed for energy transfer and energy storage with a heat exchanger in a liquid reservoir, which is connected via the heat exchanger to the further fluid circuit of the heat pump, the exhaust air being led into the liquid reservoir via a heat exchanger.

EP 2 090 838 A2 shows a heat pump system with a water tank embedded in the ground as the primary heat source of a heat pump, and an additional pump by means of which water from an additional heat reservoir can be introduced into the water tank. When the heat supply in the water tank is exhausted, a control device activates the additional pump until at least some of the water in the water tank has been replaced.

GB 2 247 072 A shows an integrated heating or cooling system that uses a heat pump and a phase change heat reservoir in order to supply a building with space heating, space cooling and non-potable hot water. A heat exchanger in the exhaust air stream and another attached to the building's wastewater line extract heat from the used air and gray water, the heat then being transferred to the heat reservoir via an ethylene glycol circuit. This heat is then extracted from the heat reservoir in order to supply the evaporator in the heat pump when heating is required. A drinking water circuit runs through the condenser, a hot water tank and, if necessary, a heat exchanger of the air conditioning system. Cooling is achieved via an extension of the ethylene glycol circuit, which leads to a heat exchanger.

DE 10 2019 135 681 B4 describes an energy store which is preferably at least partially sunk into the ground. It comprises a water heat exchanger and an air heat exchanger arranged above the water heat exchanger, the water heat exchanger being arranged in a liquid reservoir formed on a floor between an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall encloses a cavity which is at least partially filled by at least one first container and one second container, the first container and the second container being of equal volumes and each forming one pole of a redox flow battery.

JP 2002-267 214 A relates to an air-cooled heat-storage air conditioning system. In a housing are provided an exhaust air circulation fan duct, a heat storage air fan duct with a heat storage tank that performs a heat exchange with the exhaust air, an air supply fan duct on which an evaporator is provided, an exhaust air fan duct with a condenser provided therein, and a compressor for operating the evaporator, the condenser and the heat storage tank. The compressor and the circulation exhaust fan passage are arranged side-by-side and in parallel, so that they are sandwiched between the air supply fan passage and the exhaust fan passage. The heat storage fan passage is arranged while adjoining the earlier passages at the ends of the aforementioned air passages in the columnar direction in order to form the housing.

The object is to provide a space-saving device for an air conditioning system.

This object is achieved by an outdoor energy-storage device of a system for the temperature conditioning of interior spaces of a building, in particular for heating, cooling or air conditioning, the outdoor energy-storage device being able to be set up outside the building and comprising, in a modular design, at least one energy storage unit, an air heat exchanger and a device unit, the energy storage unit being designed with a liquid reservoir with a water heat exchanger for energy transmission and energy storage, the air heat exchanger surrounds a radial fan at least in sections around an outer circumference so that an air flow through the air heat exchanger is created radially from the outside to the inside, which air flow escapes axially upwards at the radial fan, the device unit being arranged between the energy storage unit and the air heat exchanger and having an exhaust air connection for exhaust air of the building such that inflowing exhaust air of the building is distributed in the device unit, and an insulation unit shielding the device unit with respect to the environment with thermal insulation, the exhaust air of the building, after flowing through the device unit, being guided by means of a fan first to the energy storage unit and then to the air heat exchanger such that heat is recovered at least in the energy storage unit and optionally also in the air heat exchanger.

The outdoor energy-storage device is constructed in a modular manner in the form of individual units, which can be delivered pre-installed and does not require any space inside the building. In order to achieve the goal of a compact design and as little energy loss as possible in the liquid reservoir, the arrangement of the units is important. According to the invention, all units are stacked on top of each other. In the energy storage unit, the liquid reservoir makes it possible to store energy in the liquid. Energy transfer takes place not only via the air heat exchanger but also through the water heat exchanger. The individual functional modules that are important for the function are located in the device unit. The exhaust air is the indoor air discharged from the building, the thermal energy of which is passed through the energy storage unit for heat or cold recovery. Previously, it was used for temperature control, i.e. in winter to heat the functional modules and in summer to cool the functional modules of the device unit in the outdoor energy-storage device in order to make safe operation possible even at low outside temperatures. “Temperature control” therefore includes both heating and cooling. The operation of the functional modules in the device unit with cold-sensitive electrical circuits is therefore insensitive to cold even in the case of low outside temperatures in winter as a result of the exhaust air adjusting the temperature of the water pump and the optionally provided further functional modules, so that no heating needs to be provided in the outdoor energy-storage device.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the device unit has at least one heat pump which is coupled to the water heat exchanger and the air heat exchanger via a connecting plate.

In contrast to other known systems, in which only the energy storage unit with its liquid reservoir is installed outside the house, further functional modules, in particular the water pump otherwise provided in the building, are relocated outside.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device unit contains the devices required for the function of the energy storage unit and of the air heat exchanger. In addition, the device unit can have a hot water tank for drinking water or non-potable water. Alternatively or additionally, the device unit can have an energy buffer, for example in the form of a water tank, which is used for short-term energy delivery and supports the function of the heat pump.

The interior of the device unit forms a space that is decoupled from the outside temperature and heated by the building's exhaust air. The same principle is used for adjusting the temperature of further functional modules, in particular for controlling the temperature of their electrical circuits. The functional module forms a closed functional unit usually with its own housing within the outdoor energy-storage device. The functional modules are replaceable, which facilitates maintenance and repair. In the electrical circuit, electrical and/or electromechanical components are combined to form a functional arrangement which, for example, controls the functional module or its interaction with other functional modules, the energy storage unit or other components of the system, which can also be buildings. Electrical circuits are sensitive to cold and are often the limiting factor for the operation of the functional module at low temperatures. Controlling the temperature, in particular of the electrical circuits, therefore improves the operational reliability of the entire outdoor energy-storage device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device unit is surrounded on its outside by an insulation unit.

The device unit with the insulation unit is arranged between the energy storage unit and the air heat exchanger in the form of a highly insulated “hot space”, which can also accommodate the hot water tank for drinking water or non-potable water, so that it has only minimal energy losses to the environment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the insulation unit spans a floor area to the energy storage unit.

In this case, the insulation unit can be reinforced peripherally by means of a collar. This is particularly advantageous for an outdoor energy-storage device that is partially sunk into the ground, this collar covering the part of the unit that is sunk into the ground.

The device unit and the air heat exchanger can be provided with side covers above the insulation unit. The air heat exchanger may have a cover.

The building's exhaust air can enter the unit via a pipe connection, preferably laid underground, on the edge-side underside.

The building's exhaust air, together with the waste heat from electrical components in the device unit, serves to control its temperature. In the device unit, typically a plurality of functional modules, which are advantageously designed to control heating, cooling and/or ventilation in the system, are provided. The functional modules are arranged such that the exhaust air flows between the functional modules to the energy storage unit and controls the temperature of the functional modules.

In one embodiment, a fan is arranged in the device unit, through which the exhaust air is directed to the energy storage unit. The fan directs the exhaust air to the energy storage unit. For this purpose, the energy storage unit advantageously has an exhaust-air-conducting heat exchanger which is designed such that the exhaust air is directed via the liquid reservoir before it flows to the air heat exchanger in the energy storage unit. In this way, energy is already being transferred between the exhaust air and the liquid in the liquid reservoir before the thermal energy of the exhaust air is used in the air heat exchanger.

In one embodiment, the outdoor energy-storage device comprises a base plate, a cover and a circumferential side wall between the base plate and the cover, which enclose the space in which the energy storage unit and the functional modules are accommodated. The base plate can have a raised edge, which is associated with a trough shape. The outdoor energy-storage device can be installed at least partially sunken in the ground so that only the cover and the upper side wall project from the ground. They can be integrated into the design of the outdoor space, for example by adding greenery or providing a garden pond on the cover.

Some exemplary embodiments are explained in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system for air conditioning interior spaces of a building,

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an outdoor energy-storage device,

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view into the interior of the outdoor energy-storage device,

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the device unit of the outdoor energy-storage unit, and

FIG. 5 is a further three-dimensional view into the interior of the outdoor energy-storage device.

In the drawings, the same or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference signs.

An exemplary embodiment of a system 2 for air conditioning interior spaces 4 of a building 6 is shown in FIG. 1. The building 6 can be, for example, a residential building or office building. However, such a system 2 can be applied to different building types. The example shown should therefore be viewed as non-limiting. Each of the interior spaces 4 is connected to an exhaust air channel 10 via an exhaust air opening 8, which removes exhaust air from the interior spaces 4.

An outdoor energy-storage device 40 is arranged outside the building 6, for example in the garden or in the outdoor area. The outdoor energy-storage device 40 is at least partially sunk into the ground 30, so that only the upper region of the outdoor energy-storage device 40 projects from the ground 30. The outdoor energy-storage device 40 has an energy storage unit 14 with a water heat exchanger 18 in a liquid reservoir 16 and an air heat exchanger 22 above the liquid reservoir 16. The outdoor energy-storage device 40 also has a device unit 50 having a heat pump 52 as a functional module 50, which heat pump is coupled to the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. In its interior, the device unit 50 further comprises a warm water tank 54 for drinking and/or non-potable water, from which drinking and/or non-potable water can be provided for the building 6.

The building 6 is equipped with a transfer point 12, which connects the building 6 to the outdoor energy-storage device 40 via a connection 42. For this purpose, the connection 42 can, for example, comprise a supply line for exhaust air from the building 6, an electrical connection, drinking water or non-potable water supply lines or even fluid lines for the heat pump 52, which are required for the function of the outdoor energy-storage device 40 or which are to be led back into the building in order to be able to effect the temperature conditioning of the interior spaces 4 of the building 6 for heating, cooling or air conditioning as well as for the hot water supply. The coupling shown between the building 6 and the outdoor energy-storage device 40 by means of the transfer point 12 and the connection 42 with the outdoor energy-storage device 40 is to be understood only by way of example. Of course, individual lines can also be routed in their own supply ducts or combined in another way between the building 6 and the outdoor energy-storage device 40 or can penetrate the building 6 at several points other than just at the transfer point 12.

The exhaust air duct 10 is coupled to the energy storage unit 14 and the heat pump 52, so that the incoming exhaust air is distributed in the device unit 50 before the exhaust air flows into the energy storage unit 14.

In the liquid reservoir 16 of the energy storage unit 14, there is a water heat exchanger 18 with a plurality of pipes which are connected to the heat pump 52 via a fluid circuit. A heat transfer medium flows through the pipes, discharging heat or cold transferred from the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16. Typically, the liquid reservoir 16 is filled with water or a paraffin compound.

Above the liquid reservoir 16, there is an air heat exchanger 22 above an insulating layer 20. The air heat exchanger 22 is arranged in a plurality of segments around a central region 24 of the energy storage unit 14. A heat exchanger 44 with flow conductors is arranged below the insulating layer 20. The heat exchanger 44 is designed such that an air flow is directed via the liquid in the liquid reservoir 16 before the air enters the air heat exchanger 22 in the energy storage unit 14. The energy contained in the air flow is thereby first supplied to the liquid reservoir 16. The heat exchanger 44 directs the air radially outward via the liquid. The air is then guided radially from the outside through the air heat exchanger 22. In the central region 24 there is a radial fan which sucks in the air from the heat exchanger 22 together with air flowing in radially from the outside toward the central region 24, where the air then leaves the energy storage unit 14.

The heat pump 52 is connected to the fluid circuit of the water heat exchanger 18. The heat pump 52 is likewise connected to a fluid circuit of the air heat exchanger 22, which comprises a plurality of pipes. A heat transfer medium flows through the pipes, which heat transfer medium discharges heat or cold from the air flowing past the pipes. Pump devices can be provided in the heat pump 52 for the water heat exchanger 18 and the air heat exchanger 22. A fluid circuit 32 in the building 6 is coupled to the outdoor energy-storage device 40 via the connection 42, such that the heat pump 52 is connected to an air conditioning unit 34 which, in addition to the connection to the further fluid circuit 32, has by means of the supply line 38 a supply of outside air via an opening 36.

As a further module, a pump can be provided which is coupled to the hot water tank 54 for drinking and/or non-potable water. It is designed to pump drinking and/or non-potable water from the hot water tank 54 for drinking and/or non-potable water into the building 6. For this purpose, a drinking and/or non-potable water connection is provided on the outdoor energy-storage device 40, which is connected to a hot water line leading into the building 6.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of an outdoor energy-storage device 40. In addition to the features already explained above in connection with FIG. 1, an exhaust air connection 56 can also be seen, which is laid underground within the ground 30 and supplies the exhaust air from the building 6 to the outdoor energy-storage device 40 in the region of the device unit 50.

It can also be seen that the liquid reservoir 16 is surrounded by the ground 30, it being possible for the air heat exchanger and parts of the device unit to be arranged above the ground 30, these components being protected from environmental influences by side covers 58 and a cover 60. In the cover 60, an opening can be seen in the central region 24, through which the air passed through the air heat exchanger leaves the outdoor energy-storage device 40. The side covers 58 give the outdoor energy-storage device 40 a visually attractive appearance so that, for example, it blends pleasantly, for a viewer, into a garden plot or other visible area of the property. The cover 60 can also be planted or filled with water so that a bed or a garden pond can be created on top of the outdoor energy-storage device 40. It is also possible to fill the trough-shaped lid with decorative sand or decorative gravel.

Below the side covers 58 there is a thermal insulation 62, which is reinforced, particularly in the region of the ground 30, by an additional collar 64 with thermally insulating properties. The thermal insulation 62 and the collar 64 form an insulation unit 66 for thermal insulation, in particular of the device unit 50.

FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the interior of the outdoor energy-storage device 40 without elements that obstruct the view into the interior, such as the side covers 58, the cover 60 or the casing of the liquid reservoir 16.

It can be seen that a radial fan 70 is provided above the air heat exchangers 22 to remove the air flowing through the air heat exchangers 22. The air heat exchanger 22 together with the radial fan 70 is designed as a modular unit which is mounted on the device unit 50. The device unit 50 is in turn surrounded by the insulation unit 66. The insulation unit 66 continues via the thermal insulation 62 and the collar 64 into removable side panels 68, which as vacuum insulation surround the warm region within the device unit 50. The removable side panels 68 allow access to the interior of the device unit 50 from all four directions.

The energy storage unit is also arranged in a modular design below the device unit 50, in the illustration shown only a support structure 72 being visible which supports the water heat exchanger 18 and the casing surrounding the liquid reservoir 16. Due to its modular design, the outdoor energy-storage device 40 can be installed particularly flexibly and cost-effectively, it being possible for individual properties to be taken into account when controlling the temperature of the building 6 by selecting the functional modules provided in the device unit 50. In some installations, the hot water tank 54 can thus remain unequipped if, for example, the hot water supply to building 6 is to be carried out in a different way. Of course, it is possible to integrate additional functional modules into the device unit 50.

FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the interior of the device unit 50 of the outdoor energy storage device 40. In addition to the heat pump 52 and hot water tank 54 already described, additional functional modules 74 are arranged in the device unit 50, which can be, for example, system modules for operating the outdoor energy-storage device 40 or an energy buffer in the form of a water tank. The individual modules are connected via a connecting plate 76, which significantly simplifies the laying of the hydraulic lines for connection to the components of the outdoor energy-storage device 40 and back to building 6. In this case, the connecting plate 76 is arranged on a side wall of the device unit 50, in order to achieve a design of the device unit 50 that is as space-saving as possible.

As already described above, the device unit 50 is supplied with exhaust air from building 6 via the exhaust air connection 56. When it is cold outside, for example in winter, the temperature control through the exhaust air causes the functional modules 74 and the components of the heat pump 52 and of the hot water tank 54 to be heated in order to increase their operational reliability and performance. The temperature-controlling effect is supported by the waste heat from the electrical circuits in the individual modules, which also contribute to heating. There is no need to heat the outdoor energy-storage device 40. When it is warm outside, for example in summer, the temperature control causes the individual modules to be cooled, since the cooler exhaust air also discharges heat from the electrical circuits. The path of the exhaust air through the device unit 50 is described below with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of the interior of the outdoor energy-storage device 40, in order to illustrate the path of the exhaust air.

Inside the device unit 50 there is a fan 80 which is mounted on a base plate 82 which separates the device unit 50 from the energy storage unit 14 with its liquid reservoir 16 located underneath. The exhaust air from building 6 entering through the exhaust air connection 56 is first distributed inside the device unit 50 for the purpose of temperature control, as already described.

The first part of the air flow of the incoming exhaust air of building 6 is designated by reference sign 90 in FIG. 5. The exhaust air is directed through the fan 80 into a region above the water in the liquid reservoir 16.

The second part of the air flow is marked with the reference sign 92. There, not only the energy of the exhaust air of the building 6 but also the heat of the modules within the device unit 50 are transferred to the liquid reservoir 16 via a heat exchanger 44 (see FIG. 1).

The third part of the air flow is designated 94 and carries the exhaust air from the device unit 50 to the air heat exchanger 22, which absorbs the remaining energy. The exhaust air is fed directly to the air heat exchangers 22 via an insulated hose (not shown in the figures). Condensate from the heat exchanger as well as water entering through precipitation from the openings of the radial fan 70 are also conducted downwards into the energy storage unit 14 via this hose. The exhaust air then leaves the outdoor energy-storage device 40 in the central region 24 as exhaust air.

The outdoor energy-storage device 40 has many advantages compared to conventional systems. The outdoor energy-storage device 40 has a high efficiency, which is due to the intelligent accommodation of all components, in particular the hot water tank 54 for drinking and/or non-potable water, in the insulation unit 66 designed as a “hot space”. The arrangement of the modules 74, the heat pump 52 and, if applicable, the hot water tank 54 in the device unit 50 creates a modular system. The outdoor energy-storage device 40 is characterized by a compact above-ground installation space that requires little outdoor space and can be implemented as a quick and easy underground construction. This results in lower overall costs due to less material and faster assembly. Quick and easy assembly as well as optimal accessibility for maintenance and service is also possible, since all technical components can be accessed from all four sides.

The features indicated above and in the claims, as well as the features which can be seen in the figures, can advantageously be implemented both individually and in various combinations. The invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments, but can be modified in many ways within the scope of the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 2 System
  • 4 Interior spaces
  • 6 Building
  • 6 Building
  • 8 Exhaust-air opening
  • 10 Exhaust-air duct
  • 12 Transfer point
  • 14 Energy storage unit
  • 16 Liquid reservoir
  • 18 Water heat exchanger
  • 20 Insulating layer
  • 22 Air heat exchanger
  • 24 Region
  • 30 Ground
  • 32 Fluid circuit
  • 34 Air conditioning unit
  • 36 Opening
  • 38 Supply line
  • 40 Outdoor energy-storage device
  • 42 Connection
  • 44 Heat exchanger
  • 50 Device unit
  • 52 Modules
  • 52 Heat pump
  • 54 Hot water tank
  • 56 Exhaust-air connection
  • 58 Coverings
  • 60 Cover
  • 62 Thermal insulation
  • 64 Collar
  • 66 Insulation unit
  • 68 Side panel
  • 70 Radial fan
  • 72 Support structure
  • 74 Functional module
  • 76 Connecting plate
  • 80 Fan
  • 82 Base plate
  • 90 Air flow
  • 92 Air flow
  • 94 Air flow