阅读说明：本技术 可逆热泵组件和包括这种可逆热泵组件的区域热能分配系统 (Reversible heat pump assembly and zonal thermal energy distribution system comprising such reversible heat pump assembly ) 是由 本特·林道夫 佩尔·罗森 雅各布·斯科格斯特罗姆 于 2019-05-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：披露了一种可逆热泵组件(100)。可逆热泵组件(100)包括：具有第一侧(120)和第二侧(130)的热泵(110),热泵(110)被配置为将热量从第一侧(120)传递至第二侧(130)或反之亦然；第一侧入口阀组件(126),该第一侧入口阀组件具有连接至第一侧(120)的热泵连接件(126a)、以及被布置为连接至包括热导管和冷导管(12；14)的热能网(10)的热导管连接件和冷导管连接件(126b；126c)；第二侧出口阀组件(136),该第二侧出口阀组件具有连接至第二侧(130)的热泵连接件(136a)、以及被布置为相应地连接至加热回路和冷却回路(130；140)的加热回路连接件和冷却回路连接件(136b；136c)。可逆热泵组件(100)被配置为选择性地被设定成加热模式或冷却模式。在该加热模式下,热泵(110)被配置为将热量从第一侧(120)传递至第二侧(130),第一侧入口阀组件(126)被配置为将热导管连接件(126b)与热泵连接件(126a)流体地连接,并且第二侧出口阀组件(136)被配置为将热泵连接件(136a)与加热回路连接件(136b)流体地连接。在该冷却模式下,热泵(110)被配置为将热量从第二侧(130)传递至第一侧(120),第一侧入口阀组件(126)被配置为将冷导管连接件(126c)与热泵连接件(126a)流体地连接,并且第二侧出口阀组件(136)被配置为将热泵连接件(136a)与冷却回路连接件(136c)流体地连接。还披露了一种包括多个可逆热泵组件(100)的区域热能分配系统。(A reversible heat pump assembly (100) is disclosed. The reversible heat pump assembly (100) comprises: a heat pump (110) having a first side (120) and a second side (130), the heat pump (110) being configured to transfer heat from the first side (120) to the second side (130) or vice versa; a first side inlet valve assembly (126) having a heat pump connection (126a) connected to the first side (120), and hot and cold pipe connections (126 b; 126c) arranged to be connected to a thermal energy network (10) comprising hot and cold pipes (12; 14); a second side outlet valve assembly (136) having a heat pump connection (136a) connected to the second side (130), and heating and cooling circuit connections (136 b; 136c) arranged to be connected to the heating and cooling circuits (130; 140), respectively. The reversible heat pump assembly (100) is configured to be selectively set to a heating mode or a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the heat pump (110) is configured to transfer heat from the first side (120) to the second side (130), the first side inlet valve assembly (126) is configured to fluidly connect the heat pipe connection (126b) with the heat pump connection (126a), and the second side outlet valve assembly (136) is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with the heating circuit connection (136 b). In the cooling mode, the heat pump (110) is configured to transfer heat from the second side (130) to the first side (120), the first side inlet valve assembly (126) is configured to fluidly connect the cold conduit connection (126c) with the heat pump connection (126a), and the second side outlet valve assembly (136) is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with the cooling circuit connection (136 c). A zonal thermal energy distribution system including a plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies (100) is also disclosed.)

1. A reversible heat pump assembly (100), comprising:

a heat pump (110) having a first side (120) and a second side (130), the first side (120) having a first side inlet (122) and a first side outlet (124) allowing a heat transfer liquid to flow through the first side (120) of the heat pump (110), the second side (130) having a second side inlet (132) and a second side outlet (134) allowing a heat transfer liquid to flow through the second side (130) of the heat pump (110), the heat pump (110) being configured to transfer heat from the first side (120) to the second side (130) or vice versa;

a first side inlet valve assembly (126) comprising:

a heat pump connection (126a) to the first side inlet (122);

a heat pipe connection (126b) connectable to a heat pipe (12) of the thermal energy grid (10), the heat pipe (12) being configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a first temperature to flow therethrough; and

a cold conduit connection (126c) connectable to a cold conduit (14) of the thermal energy grid (10), the cold conduit (14) being configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a second temperature to flow through, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature; and

a second side outlet valve assembly (136), the second side outlet valve assembly comprising:

a heat pump connection (136a) to the second side outlet (134);

a heating circuit connection (136b) connectable to a heating circuit (140) configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough; and

a cooling circuit connection (136c) connectable to a cooling circuit (150) configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough; and

a heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) configured to selectively set the reversible heat pump assembly (100) into a heating mode or a cooling mode,

wherein in the heating mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to:

setting the heat pump (110) to transfer heat from the first side (120) to the second side (130);

setting the first side inlet valve assembly (126) to fluidly connect the heat pipe connection (126b) with the heat pump connection (126 a); and

setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with the heating circuit connection (136 b);

wherein in the cooling mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to:

setting the heat pump (110) to transfer heat from the second side (130) to the first side (120);

setting the first side inlet valve assembly (126) to fluidly connect the cold conduit connection (126c) with the heat pump connection (126 a); and

the second side outlet valve assembly (136) is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with the cooling circuit connection (136 c).

2. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to claim 1,

wherein the second side outlet valve assembly (136) comprises a plurality of heating circuit connections (136b) each connectable to one of a plurality of heating circuits (140), each heating circuit (140) configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough; and is

Wherein, in the heating mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to set the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with one of the heating circuit connections (136b), thereby setting which of the plurality of heating circuits (140) is provided with heating from the heat pump assembly (100).

3. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to: setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with one of the heating circuit connections (136b) at a first point in time, and setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with another of the heating circuit connections (136b) at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

4. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the second side outlet valve assembly (136) comprises a plurality of cooling circuit connections (136c) each connectable to one of a plurality of cooling circuits (150), each cooling circuit (150) configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough; and is

Wherein, in the cooling mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to set the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with one of the cooling circuit connections (136c), thereby setting which of the plurality of cooling circuits (150) is provided with cooling from the heat pump assembly (100).

5. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to: setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with one of the cooling circuit connections (136c) at a first point in time, and setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly connect the heat pump connection (136a) with another of the cooling circuit connections (136c) at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

6. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5,

wherein the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to receive demand signals from the plurality of heating circuits (140) and/or the plurality of cooling circuits (150); and is

Wherein the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to prioritize the demands differently.

7. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

wherein in the heating mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to:

setting the first side inlet valve assembly (126) to fluidly disconnect the cold conduit connection (126c) from the heat pump connection (126 a); and

setting the second side outlet valve assembly (136) to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection (136a) from the cooling circuit connection (136 c); and is

Wherein in the cooling mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller (108a) is configured to:

setting the first side inlet valve assembly (126) to fluidly disconnect the heat pipe connection (126b) from the heat pump connection (126 a); and

the second side outlet valve assembly (136) is configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection (136a) from the heating circuit connection (136 b).

8. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat pump (110) is a reversible heat pump comprising a first side coil (112), a second side coil (114) and a reversing valve (116),

wherein, once the heat pump assembly (100) is set to the heating mode:

the first side coil (112) is configured to function as an evaporator,

the second side coil (114) is configured to act as a condenser, and

the reversing valve (116) is set such that refrigerant of the heat pump (110) flows from the first side coil (112) to the second side coil (114); and is

Wherein, once the heat pump assembly (100) is set to the cooling mode:

the second side coil (114) is configured to function as an evaporator,

the first side coil (112) is configured to function as a condenser, and

the reversing valve (116) is set such that refrigerant of the heat pump (110) flows from the second side coil (114) to the first side coil (112).

9. The reversible heat pump assembly (100) of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

a pressure difference determining means (106) adapted to determine a local pressure difference Δ p between the heat transfer liquid of the hot conduit and the cold conduit (12; 14);

a flow controller (101) connected between the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110) and the first side inlet valve assembly (126), wherein the flow controller (101) is configured to be selectively set to a pumping mode or a flow mode, wherein, once set to the pumping mode, the flow controller (101) is configured to act as a pump for pumping heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid (10) into the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110), and wherein, once set to the flow mode, the flow controller (101) is configured to act as a flow regulator for allowing flow of heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid (10) into the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110); and

a flow mode controller (108b) configured to selectively control the flow controller (101) to be set to the pumping mode or the flow mode based on the local pressure differential.

10. The reversible heat pump assembly (100) of claim 9, wherein the flow mode controller (108b) is further configured to set the flow controller (101) to the pumping mode or the flow mode based on whether the reversible heat pump assembly (100) is set to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

11. The reversible heat pump assembly (100) of any of claims 1-8, further comprising:

a pressure difference determining means (106) adapted to determine a local pressure difference Δ p between the heat transfer liquid of the hot conduit and the cold conduit (12; 14);

a flow conditioner (102) connected between the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110) and the first side inlet valve assembly (126), wherein the flow conditioner (102) is configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow from the thermal energy grid (10) into the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110);

a pump (104) connected between a first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110) and the first side inlet valve assembly (126), wherein the pump (104) is configured to pump heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid (10) into the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110); and

a flow pattern controller (108b) configured to selectively activate the flow regulator (102) or the pump (104) based on the local pressure difference for transferring heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy network (10) into a first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110).

12. A reversible heat pump assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the flow mode controller (108b) is further configured to activate the flow conditioner (102) or the pump (104) for transferring heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid (10) into the first side inlet (122) of the heat pump (110) based on whether the reversible heat pump assembly (100) is set to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

13. A zonal thermal energy distribution system, comprising:

a thermal energy network (10) comprising:

a heat pipe (12) configured to allow a heat transfer liquid of a first temperature to flow therethrough, an

A cold conduit (14) configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a second temperature to flow therethrough, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature; and

a plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies (100) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies (100) are connected to the thermal energy grid (10).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a reversible heat pump assembly. The present invention relates to a district thermal energy distribution system comprising such a reversible heat pump assembly.

Background

Almost all large developed cities in the world incorporate at least two types of energy networks in their infrastructure; one net is used to provide electrical energy and one net is used to provide space heating and hot tap water preparation. Nowadays, a common network for providing space heating and hot tap water preparation is a gas network providing combustible gases, typically fossil fuel gases. The gas provided by the gas network is burned locally for providing space heating and hot tap water. An alternative to gas networks for providing space heating and hot tap water production is a district heating network. The electrical energy of the electrical energy network can also be used for space heating and hot tap water preparation. The electrical energy of the electrical energy network can also be used for space cooling. The electrical energy of the grid is further used to drive refrigerators and freezers.

Accordingly, conventional building heating and cooling systems primarily use high-grade energy sources such as electricity and fossil fuels or energy sources in the form of industrial waste heat to provide space heating and/or cooling, and to heat or cool water used in buildings. Furthermore, it has become increasingly common to also install regional cooling nets in cities for space cooling. The process of heating or cooling the building space and water converts this high grade energy into low grade waste heat of high entropy that leaves the building and returns to the environment.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved ways of providing heating and cooling to cities.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to address at least some of the above problems.

According to a first aspect, a reversible heat pump assembly is provided.

The reversible heat pump assembly includes a heat pump having a first side with a first side inlet and a first side outlet that allow a heat transfer liquid to flow through the first side of the heat pump and a second side with a second side inlet and a second side outlet that allow a heat transfer liquid to flow through the second side of the heat pump.

The heat pump is configured to transfer heat from the first side to the second side or vice versa.

The reversible heat pump assembly further includes a first side inlet valve assembly, the first side inlet valve assembly comprising:

a heat pump connection to the first side inlet;

a heat pipe connection arranged to connect to a heat pipe of a thermal energy grid, the heat pipe configured to allow a flow of heat transfer liquid at a first temperature; and

a cold conduit connection arranged to connect to a cold conduit of the thermal energy grid, the cold conduit configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a second temperature to flow through, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature.

The reversible heat pump assembly further includes a second side outlet valve assembly, the second side outlet valve assembly comprising:

a heat pump connection to the second side outlet;

a heating circuit connection arranged to connect to a heating circuit configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow through; and

a cooling circuit connection arranged to be connected to a cooling circuit configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow through.

The reversible heat pump assembly is configured to be selectively set to a heating mode or a cooling mode.

In the heating mode:

the heat pump is configured to transfer heat from the first side to the second side;

the first side inlet valve assembly is configured to fluidly connect the heat pipe connection with the heat pump connection; and is

The second side outlet valve assembly is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with the heating circuit connection.

In this cooling mode:

the heat pump is configured to transfer heat from the second side to the first side;

the first side inlet valve assembly is configured to fluidly connect the cold conduit connection with the heat pump connection; and is

The second side outlet valve assembly is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with the cooling circuit connection.

The term "selectively set to heating mode or cooling mode" should be interpreted as the reversible heat pump assembly being set to heating mode at one point in time and to cooling mode at another point in time.

The reversible heat pump assembly is readily connectable to a thermal energy circuit that is part of a district thermal energy distribution system. The reversible heat pump assembly provides for the use of the same assembly to introduce both (deliverer) heating and cooling. At one point in time, the reversible heat pump assembly can be set to the heating mode, and at another point in time, the reversible heat pump assembly can be set to the cooling mode. By the present reversible heat pump assembly, the utilization of the heat pump assembly can be increased as compared to a dedicated heating or cooling heat pump assembly. The construction of the heating/cooling system in the building can be simplified because only a single heat pump assembly is required. Further, control of the heating/cooling system in the building may be simplified, as only one single heat pump assembly needs to be controlled. The present reversible heat pump assembly may further provide expandability, given that a customer is only interested in heating initially, at a later point in time, the same customer may begin to obtain cooling that is also introduced from the same heat pump assembly. Thus, there is no need to install a new heat pump assembly at the customer site.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode, the first side inlet valve assembly may be configured to fluidly disconnect the cold conduit connection from the heat pump connection.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode, the second side outlet valve assembly can be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection from the cooling circuit connection.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the cooling mode, the first side inlet valve assembly may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pipe connection from the heat pump connection.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the cooling mode, the second side outlet valve assembly can be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection from the heating circuit connection.

The heat pump may be a reversible heat pump including a first side coil, a second side coil, and a reversing valve.

Once the heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode, the first side coil can be configured to function as an evaporator, the second side coil can be configured to function as a condenser, and the reversing valve can be set such that refrigerant of the heat pump flows from the first side coil to the second side coil.

Once the heat pump assembly is set to the cooling mode, the second side coil can be configured to function as an evaporator, the first side coil can be configured to function as a condenser, and the reversing valve can be set such that refrigerant of the heat pump flows from the second side coil to the first side coil.

The reversible heat pump assembly can further include a heat pump assembly mode controller configured to set the reversible heat pump assembly into the heating mode or the cooling mode.

The second side outlet valve assembly may further comprise a plurality of heating circuit connections each arranged to connect to one of a plurality of heating circuits, each heating circuit being configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. In the heating mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to set the second side outlet valve assembly to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with one of the heating circuit connections, thereby setting which of the plurality of heating circuits is provided heating from the heat pump assembly.

Each heating circuit of the plurality of heating circuits may be a different type of heating circuit. Examples of heating loops are hot tap water heating loops, comfort heating loops, process heating loops and tank heating loops. By being able to operate the different heating circuits one by one, it is made possible to operate the heat pump optimally for each type of heating circuit.

The heat pump assembly mode controller may be further configured to: the second side outlet valve assembly is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with one of the heating circuit connections at a first point in time and to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with another of the heating circuit connections at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to receive demand signals from the plurality of heating and cooling circuits. The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to prioritize the requirements differently.

The second side outlet valve assembly may include a plurality of cooling circuit connections each arranged to connect to one of a plurality of cooling circuits, each configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. In the cooling mode, the heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to set the second side outlet valve assembly to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with one of the cooling circuit connections, thereby setting which of the plurality of cooling circuits is provided with cooling from the heat pump assembly.

Each of the plurality of cooling circuits may be a different type of cooling circuit. Examples of cooling circuits are comfort cooling systems, process cooling systems, refrigeration systems and refrigeration systems. By being able to operate the different cooling circuits one by one, it is made possible to operate the heat pump optimally for each type of cooling circuit.

The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to: the second side outlet valve assembly is set to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with one of the cooling circuit connections at a first point in time and the second side outlet valve assembly is set to fluidly connect the heat pump connection with another of the cooling circuit connections at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

The heat pump assembly mode controller can be configured to receive demand signals from the plurality of cooling circuits and heating circuits. The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to prioritize the requirements differently.

The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to receive demand signals from the plurality of cooling circuits and/or the plurality of heating circuits. The heat pump assembly mode controller may be configured to prioritize the requirements differently.

The reversible heat pump assembly may further comprise:

a pressure difference determining means adapted to determine a local pressure difference between the heat transfer liquid of the hot conduit and the cold conduit;

a flow controller connected between the first side inlet of the heat pump and the first side inlet valve assembly, wherein the flow controller is configured to be selectively set to a pumping mode or a flow mode, wherein, once set to the pumping mode, the flow controller is configured to act as a pump for pumping heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump, and wherein, once set to the flow mode, the flow controller is configured to act as a flow regulator for allowing heat transfer liquid to flow from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump; and

a flow mode controller configured to selectively control the flow controller to be set to the pumping mode or the flow mode based on the local pressure differential.

The phrase "selectively setting the flow controller to a pumping mode or a flow mode" should be interpreted as the flow controller being set to a pumping mode at one point in time and to a flow mode at another point in time.

The term "pump" should be interpreted as a device configured to allow pumping of heat transfer liquid through the pump in a controlled manner when the pump is in a pumping activated state. The expression "in a controlled manner" includes that the pump can regulate the flow rate of the fluid pumped by the pump.

The term "flow regulator" should be interpreted as a device configured to allow fluid to flow through the flow regulator in a controlled manner when the flow regulator is in an activated state. Furthermore, the flow regulator may also be arranged such that the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow regulator may be controlled. Thus, the flow regulator may be arranged to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough.

The design of the reversible heat pump assembly allows it to be connected to a thermal energy circuit, wherein the pressure between the heat transfer liquid of the hot and cold conduits is allowed to vary spatially and temporally. This is because the reversible heat pump assembly includes the pressure difference determining device, and because the reversible heat pump assembly is selectively connected to the hot duct and the cold duct via selectively setting the flow controller to the pumping mode or the flow mode. Further, the flow controller allows for effective flow control of the heat transfer liquid between the hot conduit and the cold conduit. Furthermore, the flow controller can be made physically compact. Thus, physical space may be saved. In addition, the flow controller allows for the transfer of heat transfer liquid between the hot conduit and the cold conduit in an energy efficient manner.

The flow mode controller may be further configured to set the flow controller to the pumping mode or the flow mode based on whether the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

The reversible heat pump assembly may further comprise:

a pressure difference determining means adapted to determine a local pressure difference between the heat transfer liquid of the hot conduit and the cold conduit;

a flow conditioner connected between the first side inlet of the heat pump and the first side inlet valve assembly, wherein the flow conditioner is configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump;

a pump connected between the first side inlet of the heat pump and the first side inlet valve assembly, wherein the pump is configured to pump heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump; and

a flow pattern controller configured to selectively activate the flow regulator or the pump based on the local pressure difference for transferring heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump.

The design of the reversible heat pump assembly allows it to be connected to a thermal energy circuit, wherein the pressure between the heat transfer liquid of the hot and cold conduits is allowed to vary spatially and temporally. This is because the reversible heat pump assembly comprises the pressure difference determining means and because the reversible heat pump assembly is selectively connected to the hot duct and the cold duct via the flow regulator and the pump, respectively.

The flow mode controller may be further configured to activate the flow conditioner or the pump for transferring heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid into the first side inlet of the heat pump based on whether the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

The flow mode controller may be further configured to set the flow controller to the pumping mode or the flow mode based on whether the reversible heat pump assembly is set to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

According to a second aspect, a zonal thermal energy distribution system is provided. The regional thermal energy distribution system includes a thermal energy grid having a heat pipe configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a first temperature to flow therethrough and a cold pipe configured to allow a heat transfer liquid at a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature, to flow therethrough. The district thermal energy distribution system further comprises a plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies according to the first aspect. The plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies are connected to the thermal energy grid.

The above-described features of the reversible heat pump assembly are equally applicable to this second aspect where appropriate. To avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above.

The basic concept of the district thermal energy distribution system is based on the inventors' insight: the heat energy provided by modern cities can be reused in the cities. The re-used thermal energy can be taken by the district thermal energy distribution system 1 and used for e.g. space heating or hot tap water preparation. Furthermore, the increasing need for space cooling will be addressed within the regional thermal energy distribution system. Within a regional thermal energy distribution system, buildings within a city are interconnected and can redistribute low temperature waste energy for different local demands in an easy and simple way. In addition to this, the district thermal energy distribution system will provide:

minimizing the use of primary energy due to optimal reuse of energy flows within cities.

The need to limit the urban chimney or fireplace as the need for local combustion gases or other fuels will be reduced.

Limiting the need for cooling towers or cooling converters within an urban area, since the excess heat generated by the cooling devices can be transferred away and reused within the regional thermal energy distribution system.

Thus, the regional thermal energy distribution system provides intelligent competitive use of thermal energy within a city (smart coal use). The regional thermal energy distribution system, when integrated into a city, utilizes low grade waste thermal energy in heating and cooling applications within the city. This will reduce the city's primary energy consumption by eliminating the need for gas or district heating and cooling networks in the city.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular components of the devices described or to the steps of the methods described, as such devices and methods may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and the like do not exclude other elements or steps.

Drawings

These and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the invention. The drawings are provided to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a zonal thermal energy distribution system.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a reversible heat pump assembly connected to a thermal energy grid, a heating circuit and a cooling circuit.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In fig. 1, a district thermal energy distribution system 1 is shown. The district thermal energy distribution system 1 comprises a thermal energy circuit 10 and a plurality of buildings 5. The thermal energy circuit 10 is configured to interconnect the buildings 5 such that thermal energy in the form of heating and/or cooling can be distributed to and/or from the buildings 5. Thus, the thermal energy circuit 10 may be considered as a regional thermal energy circuit. A plurality of buildings 5 are thermally coupled to a thermal energy circuit 10. The thermal energy circuit 10 is arranged to circulate and store thermal energy in a heat transfer liquid flowing through the thermal energy circuit 10.

The heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 may comprise water. However, other heat transfer liquids may alternatively be used. Some non-limiting examples are ammonia, oil, ethanol, and antifreeze liquids (such as ethylene glycol). The heat transfer liquid may also comprise a mixture of two or more of the above-mentioned heat transfer liquids. The particular mixture to be used is water mixed with an antifreeze liquid.

The thermal energy circuit 10 comprises two conduits 12, 14 allowing a heat transfer liquid to flow through. The temperature of the heat transfer liquid of the two conduits 12, 14 is set to be different. Heat pipes 12 in thermal energy circuit 10 are configured to allow a flow of heat transfer liquid at a first temperature. The cold conduits 14 in the thermal energy circuit 10 are configured to allow the heat transfer liquid at the second temperature to flow through. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature.

In case the heat transfer liquid is water (possibly with the addition of an anti-freeze liquid), a suitable temperature range for the hot heat transfer liquid is between 5 ℃ and 45 ℃ and for the cold heat transfer liquid between 0 ℃ and 40 ℃. A suitable temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is in the range of 5 ℃ to 16 ℃, preferably in the range of 7 ℃ to 12 ℃, more preferably in the range of 8 ℃ to 10 ℃.

Preferably, the system is set to operate with a sliding temperature difference (sliding temperature difference) that varies depending on the climate. Preferably, the slip temperature difference is fixed. Therefore, the temperature difference can be set to instantaneously slip at a fixed temperature difference.

Heat pipe 12 and cooling duct 14 are separate. Heat pipes 12 and cooling ducts 14 may be arranged in parallel. Heat pipe 12 and cooling duct 14 may be arranged as a closed loop of piping. Heat pipes 12 and cooling ducts 14 are fluidly interconnected at building 5 to allow thermal energy to be transferred to and from building 5. This will be discussed in more detail further below.

The two conduits 12, 14 of the thermal energy circuit 10 may be formed of plastic, composite, concrete or metal pipes. According to one embodiment, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe may be used. These pipes may be single-walled pipes. The pipes may not be insulated. According to one embodiment, the thermal energy circuit 10 is arranged mainly in the ground. The ground will act as a thermally inert body for the thermal energy circuit 10. Therefore, the insulation of the pipes is of no additional value. The exception is in cities with very warm or cold climates. In these cities, the inertness of the ground may be more detrimental than beneficial during critical periods of the year (critical part). In these cities, insulation may be required on one or both pipes of the pipeline.

According to one embodiment, the two conduits 12, 14 of the thermal energy circuit 10 are dimensioned for pressures up to 1MPa (10 bar). According to other embodiments, the two conduits 12, 14 of the thermal energy circuit 10 may be dimensioned for pressures up to 0.6MPa (6 bar) or pressures up to 1.6MPa (16 bar).

The regional thermal energy distribution system 1 may comprise a thermal server apparatus 2. The thermal server device 2 functions as an external heat source and/or heat sink. The function of the thermal server apparatus 2 is to maintain a temperature difference between the hot 12 and cold 14 ducts of the thermal energy circuit 10. That is, the thermal server device 2 may be used to balance the regional thermal energy distribution system 1 such that when the thermal energy circuit 10 reaches the end point of the temperature, the thermal server device 2 is arranged to draw thermal energy into the thermal energy circuit 10 or to let thermal energy out of the thermal energy circuit. In the winter season, thermal server apparatus 2 is used to add thermal energy to thermal energy circuit 10 when the likelihood of heat pipe 12 reaching its lowest temperature endpoint is higher. In summer, the thermal server device 2 is used to subtract thermal energy from the thermal energy circuit 10 when the likelihood of the cold conduit reaching its highest temperature end point is higher.

The building 5 includes at least one reversible heat pump assembly 100. A particular building 5 may include more than one reversible heat pump assembly 100.

The reversible heat pump assembly 100 is configured to be connected to a thermal energy circuit 10. The reversible heat pump assembly 100 is configured to be connected to a heating circuit 140. The reversible heat pump assembly 100 is configured to be connected to a cooling circuit 150.

Heating circuit 140 may be a local heating circuit configured within building 5. The heating circuit 140 is configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. The heating loop 140 may be one or more of a comfort heating system, a process heating system, and a hot tap water production system.

The cooling circuit 140 may be a local cooling circuit arranged within the building 5. The cooling circuit 150 is configured to allow a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. The cooling circuit 150 may be one or more of a comfort cooling system, a process cooling system, a refrigeration system, and a chiller system.

The reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be set to operate in either a heating mode or a cooling mode. Thus, a particular reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be selectively set in either a heating mode or a cooling mode.

In the heating mode, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 acts as a radiator. Thus, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is arranged to remove thermal energy from the thermal energy circuit 10. Or in other words, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is arranged to transfer thermal energy from the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 to the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit 140. This is achieved by transferring thermal energy from the heat transfer liquid taken from the heat conduit 12 to the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit 140, so that the heat transfer liquid returned to the cold conduit 14 has a temperature lower than the first temperature, and preferably equal to the second temperature.

Thus, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 may be installed in a building 5 to act as a provider of heat to one or more local heating circuits 140. As non-limiting examples, local heating loop 140 may be arranged to introduce space heating, process heating, or hot tap water preparation. Alternatively or in combination, the local heating loop 140 may introduce pool heating or snow removal. Thus, reversible heat pump assembly 100, once set to a heating mode, is configured to obtain heat from the heat transfer liquid of heat pipe 12 and produce cooled heat transfer liquid that flows into cold pipe 14. Thus, once set to the heating mode, reversible heat pump assembly 100 fluidly interconnects heat pipe 12 with cooling duct 14 such that hot heat transfer liquid may flow from heat pipe 12 through reversible heat pump assembly 100 and then into cooling duct 14 after the thermal energy in the heat transfer liquid has been consumed by reversible heat pump assembly 100. Once set to heating mode, reversible heat pump assembly 100 operates to draw thermal energy from heat pipe 12 to heat heating circuit 140 and then deposit (dispose) cooled heat transfer liquid into cooling pipe 14.

In the cooling mode, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 acts as a heat source. Thus, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is arranged to deposit thermal energy to the thermal energy circuit 10. Or in other words, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is arranged to transfer thermal energy from the heat transfer liquid of the cooling circuit 150 to the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10. This is achieved by transferring thermal energy from the heat transfer liquid of the cooling circuit 150 to the heat transfer liquid taken from the cold conduit 12, so that the heat transfer liquid returned to the heat conduit 12 has a temperature higher than the second temperature, and preferably equal to the first temperature.

Thus, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 may be installed in a building 5 to act as a provider of cooling for one or more local cooling circuits 150. As non-limiting examples, the local cooling circuit 150 may be arranged to introduce space cooling, process cooling, or cooling for freezers and refrigerators. Alternatively or in combination, the local cooler may introduce cooling for ice rinks and ski centres or ice and snow making. Thus, reversible heat pump assembly 100, once set to the cooling mode, is configured to obtain cooling from the heat transfer liquid of cold conduit 14 and produce a heated heat transfer liquid that flows into heat conduit 12. Thus, once set to the cooling mode, reversible heat pump assembly 100 fluidly interconnects cold conduit 14 with heat conduit 12 such that cold heat transfer liquid may flow from cold conduit 14 through reversible heat pump assembly 100 and then into heat conduit 12 after thermal energy has been deposited into the heat transfer liquid by reversible heat pump assembly 100. Reversible heat pump assembly 100 operates to extract heat from cooling circuit 150 and deposit the extracted heat into heat pipe 12.

Certain reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be connected to one heating circuit 140 and one cooling circuit 150. This is shown, for example, in buildings 5a and 5c of fig. 1.

The building may include a plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 that are each connected to a heating circuit 140 and a cooling circuit 150. This is shown, for example, in building 5b of fig. 1.

Multiple reversible heat pump assemblies 100 may be connected to one heating circuit 140 and one cooling circuit 150. This is shown, for example, in building 5d of fig. 1. If so, one of the reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a heating mode to provide heating to the one heating circuit 140 and another of the reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a cooling mode to provide cooling to the one cooling circuit 150. Alternatively, two or more of the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a heating mode to provide heating to the one heating circuit 140. Still alternatively, two or more of the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a cooling mode to provide cooling to the one cooling circuit 150. Further alternatively, all of the reversible heat pump assemblies in the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a heating mode to provide heating to the one heating circuit 140. Alternatively, all of the reversible heat pump assemblies in the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 can be set to a cooling mode to provide cooling to the one cooling circuit 150. At a first specific point in time, one of the above indicated alternative settings of the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 may be used, and at another specific point in time, another one of the above indicated alternative settings of the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 may be used. Thus, the plurality of reversible heat pump assemblies 100 may be set differently depending on the heating and cooling needs of the heating circuit 140 and the cooling circuit 150.

A particular reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be connected to multiple heating loops 140. This is shown, for example, in building 5e of fig. 1. If so, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be configured to introduce heating to one of the plurality of heating loops 140 at a first point in time and to introduce heating to another of the plurality of heating loops 140 at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

A particular reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be connected to multiple cooling circuits 150. This is illustrated, for example, in building 5f of fig. 1. If so, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be configured to introduce cooling to one of the plurality of cooling circuits 150 at a first point in time and to introduce cooling to another of the plurality of cooling circuits 150 at a second point in time, the second point in time being different from the first point in time.

Referring to fig. 2, the function of the reversible heat pump assembly 100 will now be discussed. The reversible heat pump assembly 100 includes a heat pump 110 having a first side 120 and a second side 130, a first side inlet valve assembly 126, and a second side outlet valve assembly 136.

The first side 120 of the heat pump 110 includes a first side inlet 122 and a first side outlet 124 that allow heat transfer liquid to flow through the first side 120 of the heat pump 110. Thus, the heat pump 110 is configured such that the heat transfer liquid of the regional thermal energy distribution system 1 is allowed to flow through the first side 120 of the heat pump 110 via the first side inlet 122 and the first side outlet 124.

The second side 130 of the heat pump 110 includes a second side inlet 132 and a second side outlet 134 that allow heat transfer liquid to flow through the second side 130 of the heat pump 110. Thus, the heat pump 110 is configured such that heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit 140 and/or the cooling circuit 150 is allowed to flow through the second side 130 of the heat pump 110 via the second side inlet 132 and the second side outlet 134.

First side inlet valve assembly 126 comprises a heat pump connection 126a connected to first side inlet 122, a heat pipe connection 126b arranged to be connected to heat pipe 12 of heat energy network 10, and a cold pipe connection 126c arranged to be connected to cold pipe 14 of heat energy network 10. All of the connections 126a-c of first side inlet valve assembly 126 are configured to fluidly connect first side inlet valve assembly 126 to the respective device/conduit. Any such connection may be made using tubing. Thus, heat pump connection 126a is configured to fluidly connect first side inlet valve assembly 126 with first side inlet 122 of heat pump 110. Heat pipe connection 126b is arranged to fluidly connect first side inlet valve assembly 126 with heat pipe 12 of thermal energy grid 10. The cold conduit connection 126c is arranged to fluidly connect the first side inlet valve assembly 126 with the cold conduit 14 of the thermal energy grid 10.

The second side outlet valve assembly 136 includes a heat pump connection 136a connected to the second side outlet 134, a heating circuit connection 136b arranged to connect to the heating circuit 140, and a cooling circuit connection 136c arranged to connect to the cooling circuit 150. All of the connections 136a-c of the second side outlet valve assembly 136 are configured to fluidly connect the second side outlet valve assembly 136 to the respective device/circuit. Any such connection may be made using tubing. Thus, the heat pump connection 136a is configured to fluidly connect the second side outlet valve assembly 136 with the second side outlet 134 of the heat pump 110. A heating circuit connection 136b is arranged to fluidly connect the second side outlet valve assembly 136 with the heating circuit 140. The cooling circuit connection 136c is arranged to fluidly connect the second side outlet valve assembly 136 with the cooling circuit 150.

The reversible heat pump assembly 100 is configured to be selectively set to a heating mode or a cooling mode. Thus, at a particular point in time, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 can be set to one of a heating mode or a cooling mode.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode, the heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the first side 120 to the second side 130. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pipe connection 126b with the heat pump connection 126 a. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 136a with the heating circuit connection 136 b. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the cold conduit connection 126c from the heat pump connection 126 a. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 can be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 136a from the cooling circuit connection 136 c.

Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the second side 130 to the first side 120. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 is configured to fluidly connect the cold conduit connection 126c with the heat pump connection 126 a. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 136a with the cooling circuit connection 136 c. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pipe connection 126b from the heat pump connection 126 a. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 can be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 136a from the heating circuit connection 136 b.

Thus, the heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the first side 120 to the second side 130 or vice versa. Such a heat pump 110 may be referred to as a reversible heat pump. The reversible heat pump may include a first side coil 112, a second side coil 114, and a reversing valve 116.

Once the heat pump assembly 100 is set to heating mode, the first side coil 112 is configured to function as an evaporator, the second side coil 114 is configured to function as a condenser, and the reversing valve 116 is set to cause the refrigerant of the heat pump 110 to flow from the first side coil 112 to the second side coil 114. Thus, the refrigerant flowing from the first side coil 112 (acting as an evaporator) carries thermal energy from the thermal energy grid 10 to the second side 130 of the heat pump 110. The vapor temperature is increased within the heat pump 110 by compressing it. The second side coil 114 (acting as a condenser) then transfers the thermal energy (including energy from compression) to a second side outlet 134 of the heat pump 110. The transferred heat will heat the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit 140. The refrigerant is then allowed to expand, and thus cool, and absorb heat from the thermal energy grid 10 in the first side coil 112 (acting as an evaporator), and the cycle repeats.

Once the heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the second side coil 114 is configured to function as an evaporator, the first side coil 112 is configured to function as a condenser, and the reversing valve 116 is set to cause the refrigerant of the heat pump 110 to flow from the second side coil 114 to the first side coil 112. Thus, once the heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the cycle is similar to that discussed above in connection with the heat pump assembly 100 being set to the heating mode, but the first side coil 112 is now the condenser and the second side coil 114 (which reaches a lower temperature) is the evaporator.

The heat pump assembly 100 may further include a first side outlet valve assembly 128. The first side outlet valve assembly 128 comprises a heat pump connection 128a connected to the first side outlet 124, a heat pipe connection 128b arranged to be connected to the heat pipes 12 of the thermal energy grid 10, and a cold pipe connection 128c arranged to be connected to the cold pipes 14 of the thermal energy grid 10. All of the connectors 128a-c of the first side exit valve assembly 128 are configured to fluidly connect the first side exit valve assembly 128 to a respective device/conduit. Any such connection may be made using tubing. Thus, the heat pump connection 128a is configured to fluidly connect the first side outlet valve assembly 128 with the first side outlet 124 of the heat pump 110. Heat pipe connections 128b are arranged to fluidly connect the first side outlet valve assembly 128 with the heat pipes 12 of the thermal energy grid 10. The cold conduit connection 128c is arranged to fluidly connect the first side outlet valve assembly 128 with the cold conduit 14 of the thermal energy grid 10. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the first side outlet valve assembly 128 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 128a with the cold conduit connection 126 c. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the first side outlet valve assembly 128 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 128a from the heat pipe connection 128 b. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the first side outlet valve assembly 128 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 128a with the heat pipe connection 128 b. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the first side outlet valve assembly 128 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 128a from the cold conduit connection 128 c.

The heat pump assembly 100 may further include a second side inlet valve assembly 138. The second side inlet valve assembly 138 includes a heat pump connection 138a connected to the second side inlet 132, a heating circuit connection 138b arranged to connect to the heating circuit 140, and a cooling circuit connection 138c arranged to connect to the cooling circuit 150. All of the connections 138a-c of the second side inlet valve assembly 138 are configured to fluidly connect the second side inlet valve assembly 138 to a respective device/circuit. Any such connection may be made using tubing. Thus, the heat pump connection 138a is configured to fluidly connect the second side inlet valve assembly 138 with the second side inlet 132 of the heat pump 110. The heating circuit connection 138b is arranged to fluidly connect the second side inlet valve assembly 138 with the heating circuit 140. The cooling circuit connection 138c is arranged to fluidly connect the second side inlet valve assembly 138 with the cooling circuit 150. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the second side inlet valve assembly 138 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 138a with the heating circuit connection 138 b. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the second side inlet valve assembly 138 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 138a from the cooling circuit connection 136 c. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the second side inlet valve assembly 138 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 138a with the cooling circuit connection 138 c. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the second side inlet valve assembly 138 may be configured to fluidly disconnect the heat pump connection 138a from the heating circuit connection 138 b.

The heat pump assembly 100 can further include a heat pump assembly mode controller 108 a. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a is configured to set the heat pump assembly 100 into a heating mode or a cooling mode. This may be done, for example, by configuring the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a to control the heat pump 110, the first side inlet valve assembly 126, and/or the second side outlet valve assembly 136. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be further configured to control the first side outlet valve assembly 128. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be further configured to control the second side inlet valve assembly 138. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a is typically software implemented. However, the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a can be a combination hardware and software implementation. The software portion of the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may run on the processing unit. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a is configured to send control signals to the assembly portion of the heat pump assembly 100 to be controlled by the heat pump assembly mode controller 108 a.

The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a can be configured to set the heat pump assembly 100 into a heating mode or a cooling mode based on one or more demand signals indicating what heating and/or cooling demands are required in the building 5 in which the heat pump assembly 100 is installed. Accordingly, the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a is configured to receive one or more demand signals from the heating and cooling systems of the building 5 in which the heat pump assembly 100 is installed. Each heating system of the building 5 includes one or more heating circuits 140 connected to the heat pump assembly 100. Each cooling system of the building 5 includes one or more cooling circuits 150 connected to the heat pump assembly 100. Examples of heating systems are hot water production systems (e.g. domestic hot water production systems), comfort heating systems and process heating systems. Examples of cooling systems are comfort cooling systems and process cooling systems. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be configured to prioritize demand from different heating and cooling systems differently. For example, the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be configured to prioritize a hot water production system over a comfort heating system or a cooling system. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be configured to set which of the plurality of heating circuits 140 is provided with heating from the heat pump assembly 100. The heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be configured to set which of the plurality of cooling circuits 150 is provided with cooling from the heat pump assembly 100.

The heat pump assembly 100 may further comprise a pressure difference determining means 106. The pressure difference determining means 106 is configured to determine a local pressure difference Δ p between the heat transfer liquid of the cold conduit 14 and the heat pipe 12 of the thermal energy circuit 10. Preferably, Δ p is measured near the location where the heat pump assembly 100 is connected to the thermal energy circuit 10. The pressure differential determining means 106 may comprise a hot conduit pressure determining means 106a and a cold conduit pressure determining means 106 b. Heat pipe pressure determining device 106a is arranged to be connected to heat pipe 12 for measuring a partial pressure p of a heat transfer liquid of heat pipe 12_1h. The cold conduit pressure determining device 106b is arranged to be connected to the cold conduit 14 for measuring a partial pressure p of the heat transfer liquid of the cold conduit 14_1c. Pressure differential determining device 106 is configured to determine Δ p as the pressure differential between the partial pressure of the heat transfer liquid of heat pipe 12 and the partial pressure of the heat transfer liquid of cold pipe 14.

The pressure difference determining means 106 may be implemented as hardware means, software means or a combination thereof. The consumable component pressure difference determining means 106 is arranged to generate a local pressure difference signal indicative of the consumable component local pressure difference Δ p. The pressure difference determining means 106 may be configured to send a local pressure difference signal to the flow pattern controller 108 b. The flow pattern controller 108b is typically software implemented. However, the flow pattern controller 108b may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software. The software portion of the flow pattern controller 108b may run on a processing unit. The flow mode controller 108b and the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a may be implemented as a single device.

The heat pump assembly 100 can further include a flow controller 101. The flow controller 101 is configured to control the flow of heat transfer fluid from the thermal energy grid 10 to the heat pump 110. Thus, the flow controller 101 is connected to thermal energyBetween the net 10 and the heat pump 110. Flow controller 101 may be connected between first side inlet valve assembly 126 and first side inlet 122. This is preferred because only one flow controller 101 is required. Thus, the heat pump 110 is connected to the thermal energy network 10 via the flow controller 101. Flow controller 101 is selectively set to either a pumping mode or a flow mode. Local delivery pressure difference Δ p for heat pump components based on the following formula_dpSelectively setting flow controller 101 to either a pumping mode or a flow mode:

Δp_dp＝Δp+Δp_che

wherein, Δ p_cheIs a pressure differential that is used to overcome the pressure drop across the heat pump 110 and possibly the first side inlet valve assembly 126 and/or the first side outlet valve assembly 128. This will be discussed in more detail below. Flow mode controller 108b may be configured to set flow controller 101 to either a pumping mode or a flow mode. An embodiment of the flow controller 101 can be found, for example, in PCT/EP 2017/083077 of the same applicant.

Once set to the pumping mode, the flow controller 101 is configured to act as a pump 104 for pumping heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid 10 into the heat pump 110. Thus, once the flow controller 101 is set to the pumping mode, heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid 10 is pumped into the heat pump 110. Once set to the flow mode, the flow controller 101 is configured to act as a flow conditioner 102 for allowing heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy network 10 to flow into the heat pump 110. The flow regulator 102 may be considered a valve. Thus, once the flow controller 101 is set to flow mode, heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy grid 10 is allowed to flow into the heat pump 110. Again, the choice of allowing the heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy network 10 to flow into the heat pump 110 or pumping the heat transfer liquid from the thermal energy network 10 into the heat pump 110 is based on the heat pump component partial transport pressure difference Δ p_dpAnd (4) making the composite material.

Flow mode controller 108b is configured to selectively set flow controller 101 to either a pumping mode or a flow mode. In the pumping mode, the flow controller 101 acts as a pump 104. In flow mode, the flow controller 101 acts as a flow regulator 102. Thus, the flow controller 101 is configured to selectively act as either the pump 104 or the flow regulator 102. The flow controller 101 is configured to pump heat transfer liquid through the flow controller 101 once acting as a pump 104. The flow controller 101 is configured to allow heat transfer liquid to flow through the flow controller 101 once acting as a flow regulator 102.

In thermal energy circuit 10, the pressure differential between heat transfer liquid in hot conduit 12 and cold conduit 14 may vary over time. More specifically, the pressure differential between the heat transfer liquid of hot conduit 12 and cold conduit 14 may be varied such that the pressure differential changes from positive to negative, or vice versa. Depending on the varying pressure differential between hot 12 and cold 14 conduits of the thermal energy circuit 10 and depending on whether the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode or a cooling mode, the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 sometimes needs to be pumped through the reversible heat pump assembly 100 and the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 sometimes needs to be allowed to flow through the reversible heat pump assembly 100. Some examples are given directly below.

Assume that the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode. Thus, the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 is set to be transferred from the heat pipe 12 to the cold pipe 14 via the first side 120 of the heat pump 110. Local delivery of a pressure difference Δ p in a heat pump module_dpIndicating that the partial pressure in the hot conduit 12 is higher than the partial pressure in the cold conduit 14, the flow controller 101 should be set to allow heat transfer liquid to flow through the flow controller 101. Thus, the flow mode controller 108b is configured to set the flow controller 101 to the flow mode. Local delivery of a pressure difference Δ p in a heat pump module_dpIndicating that the partial pressure in heat pipe 12 is lower than the partial pressure in cold conduit 14, flow controller 101 should be set to pump a flow of heat transfer liquid from heat pipe 12 to cold conduit 14. Thus, the flow mode controller 108b is configured to set the flow controller 101 to the pumping mode.

Assume that the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode. Thus, the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 is set to be transferred from the cold conduit 14 to the heat conduit 16 via the first side 120 of the heat pump 110. Local delivery of a pressure difference Δ p in a heat pump module_dpIndicating local pressure in cold pipe 14 versus in hot pipe 12Where the local pressure is higher, the flow controller 101 should be configured to allow a flow of heat transfer liquid to flow through the flow controller 101. Thus, the flow mode controller 108b is configured to set the flow controller 101 to the flow mode. Local delivery of a pressure difference Δ p in a heat pump module_dpIndicating that the partial pressure in cold conduit 14 is lower than the partial pressure in hot conduit 12, flow controller 101 should be configured to pump a flow of heat transfer liquid from cold conduit 14 to hot conduit 12. Thus, the flow mode controller 108b is configured to set the flow controller 101 to the pumping mode.

The flow mode controller 108b can also be configured to control the flow rate of heat transfer liquid through the flow controller 101. Accordingly, the flow pattern controller 108b may also be configured to control the pump 104 of the flow controller 101 such that the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid pumped by the pump 104 is controlled. In addition, the flow pattern controller 108b may also be configured to control the flow regulator 102 such that the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid flowing through the flow controller 101 is controlled.

The reversible heat pump assembly 100 may further include a hot conduit temperature determining device 105a and a cold conduit temperature determining device 105 b. Heat pipe temperature determining means 105a is arranged to be connected to heat pipe 12 for measuring a local temperature t of a heat transfer liquid of heat pipe 12_h. The cold conduit temperature determining means 105b is arranged to be connected to the cold conduit 14 for measuring the local temperature t of the heat transfer liquid of the cold conduit 14_c. The hot duct temperature determining means 105a and the cold duct temperature determining means 105b may be connected to the flow pattern controller 108b for communicating t thereto_hAnd t_c。

The reversible heat pump assembly 100 can further include an outlet temperature determining device 105 c. The outlet temperature determining means 105c is arranged to be connected to a return conduit connecting the first side outlet 124 of the heat pump 110 with the first side outlet valve assembly 128. The outlet temperature determining means 105c is arranged to measure the outlet temperature t of the heat transfer liquid leaving the first side outlet 124 of the heat pump 110 and returning to the thermal energy circuit 10_{Return to}. The outlet temperature determining means 105c may be connected to the flow pattern controller 108b forTransmit t thereto_{Return to}。

Different temperatures t_h、t_cAnd t_{Return to}Can be used to control the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through the heat pump 110. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the heating mode, the flow rate is preferably controlled such that t_{Return to}＝t_c. Once the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to the cooling mode, the flow rate is preferably controlled such that t_{Return to}＝t_h. Alternatively or in combination, and independently of whether the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode or a cooling mode, the flow rate of the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through the heat pump 110 may be controlled such that the heat pump 110 draws in or emits heat at a defined temperature difference. A temperature difference of 8 ℃ to 10 ℃ corresponds to an optimal flow through the heat pump 110. The flow rate of the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through the heat pump 110 can be controlled by the flow pattern controller 108b by controlling the flow rate through the flow controller 101.

Accordingly, a reversible heat pump assembly 100 is disclosed. The heat pump assembly 100 includes a heat pump 110 having a first side 120 and a second side 130. The heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the first side 120 to the second side 130 or vice versa. The heat pump assembly 100 further comprises a first side inlet valve assembly 126 having a heat pump connection 126a connected to the first side 120, and a hot pipe connection 126b and a cold conduit connection 126c arranged to be connected to a thermal energy grid 10 comprising a hot pipe 12 and a cold conduit 14. The heat pump assembly 100 further comprises a second side outlet valve assembly 136 having a heat pump connection 136a connected to the second side 130, and a heating circuit connection 136b and a cooling circuit connection 136c arranged to be connected to the heating circuit 130 and the cooling circuit 140, respectively. The reversible heat pump assembly 100 is configured to be selectively set to a heating mode or a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the first side 120 to the second side 130. In the heating mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pipe connection 126b with the heat pump connection 126 a. In the heating mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 136a with the heating circuit connection 136 b. In the cooling mode, the heat pump 110 is configured to transfer heat from the second side 130 to the first side 120. In the cooling mode, the first side inlet valve assembly 126 is configured to fluidly connect the cold conduit connection 126c with the heat pump connection 126 a. In the cooling mode, the second side outlet valve assembly 136 is configured to fluidly connect the heat pump connection 136a with the cooling circuit connection 136 c.

Further, a zonal thermal energy distribution system 1 is provided that includes a heat pipe 12 and a cold pipe 14. The regional thermal energy distribution system 1 further includes one or more reversible heat pump assemblies 100. Accordingly, the regional thermal energy distribution system 1 includes a thermal energy circuit 10 that includes a hot conduit 12 and a cold conduit 14 for allowing a heat transfer liquid to flow therethrough. The district thermal energy distribution system 1 further comprises one or more reversible heat pump assemblies 100. In accordance with what has been disclosed above, the one or more reversible heat pump assemblies 100 may be connected to the thermal energy circuit 10 via a flow controller 101. Flow controller 101 is selectively set to a pumping mode or a flow mode based on the local pressure differential between the heat transfer liquid of heat pipe 12 and cold pipe 14. Alternatively or additionally, the district thermal energy distribution system 1 may comprise one or more reversible heat pump assemblies 100 selectively connected to the thermal energy circuit 10 via valves (e.g. flow regulators) and pumps. Thus, instead of using a flow controller 101 according to the above, the reversible heat pump assembly 100 may be connected to the thermal energy circuit 10 via valves and via a pump. Depending on the mode of the reversible heat pump assembly 100 and depending on the local pressure difference between the hot and cold conduits 12, 14 of the thermal energy circuit 10 at the connection between the reversible heat pump assembly 100 and the thermal energy circuit 10, a valve or pump is used to flow the heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through the first side 120 of the heat pump 110 of the reversible heat pump assembly 100.

Preferably, the need to draw in or dissipate heat using the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is made at a defined temperature difference. A temperature difference of 8 ℃ to 10 ℃ corresponds to an optimal flow through the heat pump 110.

The local pressure differential between heat pipe 12 and cold pipe 14 may vary along thermal energy circuit 10. In particular, the localized pressure differential between heat pipe 12 and cold pipe 14 may change from a positive pressure differential to a negative pressure differential from one of heat pipe 12 and cold pipe 14. Thus, a particular reversible heat pump assembly 100 may sometimes require pumping heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through a corresponding heat pump 110, and the reversible heat pump assembly 100 may sometimes require flowing heat transfer liquid of the thermal energy circuit 10 through a corresponding heat pump 110. Accordingly, it will be possible to have all pumping within the district thermal energy distribution system 1 take place in the reversible heat pump assembly 100. Thus, an easily built district thermal energy distribution system 1 is provided. Further, an easily controllable zonal thermal energy distribution system 1 is provided. Furthermore, the pump assembly of the flow controller 101 may be based on a frequency controlled circulation pump due to the limited flow and pressure required.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, in the embodiments discussed above, the flow mode controller 108b and the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a are discussed as being implemented as a single device. However, the functionality of the two different mode controllers 108a, 108b may be distributed over different physical devices. For example, one device (acting as the heat pump assembly mode controller 108a) may be configured to control whether the reversible heat pump assembly 100 is set to a heating mode or a cooling mode, and another device (acting as the flow mode controller 108b) may be configured to control whether the flow controller 101 should be set to a flow mode or a pumping mode. The two different devices may be configured to communicate with each other.

In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.