EP4528175A1 - Verfahren, system und vorrichtung zur steuerung eines heiz- und kühlsystems einer kommerziellen oder industriellen einheit - Google Patents

Verfahren, system und vorrichtung zur steuerung eines heiz- und kühlsystems einer kommerziellen oder industriellen einheit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4528175A1
EP4528175A1 EP24201573.3A EP24201573A EP4528175A1 EP 4528175 A1 EP4528175 A1 EP 4528175A1 EP 24201573 A EP24201573 A EP 24201573A EP 4528175 A1 EP4528175 A1 EP 4528175A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature
heat
return line
waste heat
circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP24201573.3A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP4528175C0 (de
EP4528175B1 (de
Inventor
Miran Muhic
Iztok CERNEKA
Sinisa Bogar
Dawid LAWRESZUK
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Danfoss AS
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Danfoss AS
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Publication of EP4528175C0 publication Critical patent/EP4528175C0/de
Publication of EP4528175B1 publication Critical patent/EP4528175B1/de
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
    • F24D11/02—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/10—Control of fluid heaters characterised by the purpose of the control
    • F24H15/156—Reducing the quantity of energy consumed; Increasing efficiency
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F12/00—Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening
    • F24F12/001—Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening with heat-exchange between supplied and exhausted air
    • F24F12/002—Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening with heat-exchange between supplied and exhausted air using an intermediate heat-transfer fluid
    • F24F12/003—Use of energy recovery systems in air conditioning, ventilation or screening with heat-exchange between supplied and exhausted air using an intermediate heat-transfer fluid using a heat pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F5/00—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater
    • F24F5/0096—Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F1/00 or F24F3/00, e.g. using solar heat or combined with household units such as an oven or water heater combined with domestic apparatus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/227—Temperature of the refrigerant in heat pump cycles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
    • F24H15/305—Control of valves
    • F24H15/31—Control of valves of valves having only one inlet port and one outlet port, e.g. flow rate regulating valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/30—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control outputs; characterised by the components to be controlled
    • F24H15/375—Control of heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
    • F24D2200/16—Waste heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
    • F24D2220/02—Fluid distribution means
    • F24D2220/0257—Thermostatic valves

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method, a system and a device for controlling a heat energy distribution system of a commercial or industrial entity.
  • the invention in particular refers to a method for optimizing the distribution of energy, especially the thermal energy distribution during service and non-service hours of a commercial or industrial entity, e.g., a supermarket, large-scale warehouses for the chilled or frozen storage of foods or any other buildings in which waste heat is produced by means of a thermodynamic cycle process.
  • the invention preferable uses a heat recovery unit (HRU) for collecting, forwarding and/or transferring the arising/produced waste heat for use in a heat consumption circuit, e.g., a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, and/or a hydronic system using water as energy transporting medium.
  • HRU heat recovery unit
  • the invention covers also heating systems which use other types of heat transporting media, like gas or air, etc.
  • the invention is not limited to one waste heat producing circuit in a commercial or industrial entity.
  • a plurality of such heat producing circuits can be connected to one HRU.
  • Preferred, but not limited to, waste heat producing circuit(s) of the vapor-compression refrigeration type are used.
  • other types of cycle process can be connected to the heat source side of the HRU also, like a distillation process or the like.
  • waste energy e.g., from cooling or refrigeration systems, like refrigerated counters or frozen food compartments in supermarkets or similar
  • HRU heat consumption system for the climatization and/or heating of buildings
  • the waste heat from the waste heat producing systems/circuits is usually taken from the hot gas/vapor after the refrigerant compression step of the cycle process and before the compressed gas/vapor enters a cooler or condenser.
  • Gas-to-liquid heat exchangers are used for transferring the thermal energy of the hot gas/vapor as waste heat from the cycle process to a liquid energy transport medium used in the HRU, commonly water. From the HRU the heat is forwarded - usually via liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers to a heat consumption circuit, e.g., a HVAC-system for internal heating, for domestic hot water preparation, for charging heat storage tanks and/or for providing heat energy to surrounding buildings or a district heating network.
  • a heat consumption circuit e.g., a HVAC-system for internal heating, for domestic hot water preparation, for charging heat storage tanks and/or for providing heat energy to surrounding buildings or a district heating network.
  • waste heat is often accumulated or stored in HRUs for further use elsewhere, e.g., in a HVAC system or circuit. Frequently the HVAC system and the waste heat producing circuit are driven and controlled independently and separately depending on their individual demands. Consequently, the produced waste heat energy is not used effectively as the waste heat producing circuit, in particular, a cooling or refrigeration system, should be operated at its optimum Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • CA 2551268 A1 describes a heat energy distribution system of a restaurant kitchen having a heat recovery unit to which at the heat source side via a heat exchanger a waste heat producing circuit is connected and to which heat sink side a heat consuming circuit is connected with at least one or more heat energy consumer(s) for providing heat energy to the restaurant kitchen, wherein one or more temperature controlled flow valves are installed and controlled by a control unit.
  • the invention should lower the overall energy consumption of an entity having a HRU whose both sides - a waste heat producing side and a heat demand side - are controllable and operable in such a coordinated way that electric, thermal and/or mechanical energy supplied externally to heat distribution system of the entity is used optimal and such that at least for a heat waste producing circuit within the heat energy system, especially for a refrigeration or cooling system for food, can be operated at its optimum Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the method should be simple in application and implementation as well as in monitoring the heat energy distribution system during operation.
  • the method of the invention can be installed to already existing heat energy distribution systems in a cost effective manner.
  • the method according to the invention should be capable to use the arising waste heat energy at its maximum and in a cost effective way for the whole energy consumption of the commercial or industrial entity, wherein the arrangement/installation of devices and means to realize the inventive method should be simple and cost effective at the same time.
  • the objective of the invention is solved by the method specified by independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are given by the subclaims depending on claim 1. The objective is also solved by a heat energy distribution system specified in the independent system claim, preferred embodiments of which are described in the subclaims directly or indirectly depending on the independent system claim. The problem of the invention is solved further by a flow valve claimed by a further independent apparatus claim. Preferred embodiments of the flow valve are provided in the subclaims directly or indirectly depending on the independent apparatus claim.
  • the method according to the invention controls the distribution of thermal energy in a commercial or industrial entity having a waste heat producing circuit connected to a primary side of a heat exchanger.
  • a heat recovery unit Connected to the secondary side of the heat exchanger is a heat recovery unit with its heat source side (short in the following also: HRU).
  • HRU heating ventilation air conditioning
  • a heat consuming circuit for instance a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC)-circuit - comprising at least one heat energy consumer.
  • HVAC heating ventilation air conditioning
  • the inventive method determines in a first step for the medium/fluid of the waste heat producing circuit a first temperature range at the outlet of the primary side of the heat exchanger at which temperature range the waste heat producing circuit is operable at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • this temperature forms the lower end of the first temperature range and usually is defined in the design phase of the waste heat producing circuit or in case of a purchasable unit or installation this temperature is provided in the technical data sheet.
  • the upper temperature of the first temperature range is given by the cooling capacity of the condensing step, i.e. by the capacity of the cooler or condenser in order to provide the optimum fluid temperature for the expansion step. Adding this temperature difference achievable by the compression step to the temperature optimal for entering the expansion step provides the upper end of the first temperature range.
  • the temperature optimal for entering the expansion step is provided by the cycle process used as waste heat producing circuit.
  • the most effective use of waste heat is given when the cooling or condensing step is not used, i.e. no additional energy has to be supplied to the cool down the fluid of the waste heat producing circuit after leaving the outlet at the primary side of the heat exchanger.
  • the fluid temperature at the second side of the heat exchanger connected to the HRU will also not be stable, hence a cooler or condensing in the waste heat producing circuit will be still necessary to adjust the fluid temperature of the waste heat producing circuit fluid to the optimum expansion temperature.
  • the cooling capacity of a cooler or condenser is usually defined in the design phase of an apparatus used in a commercial or industrial entity, a person skilled in the relevant art is able to determine the first temperature range for the waste heat producing circuit fluid without any problem. Frequently the used apparatuses are a kind of standard equipment for which the cooling capacity is provided in the technical data sheet. So, for identifying the first temperature range at the outlet of the heat exchanger to be optimal for a waste heat producing circuit, a person skilled in the relevant art has to look up only the technical specification of the waste heat producing apparatus, where input temperature of the expansion step provides him the lower end of the first temperature range. Adding to this temperature the temperature difference achievable by the cooling/condensing step provides him the upper end of the first temperature range.
  • the next step of the method according to the invention uses the specification and technical data of the selected heat exchanger and the selected HRU to determine by calculation from the first temperature range the second temperature range for the fluid in the return line of the heat consuming circuit.
  • basically the first temperature range and the heat transfer capacities of both units - the heat exchanger and the HRU - enable the person skilled in the relevant art to determine this second temperature range for the fluid return temperature of the heat consuming circuit.
  • the technical specifications of the heat exchanger at the heat sink side of the used heat recovery unit (HRU) and the technical specifications of the HRU itself are known, a person skilled in the relevant art can derive from the first temperature range the second temperature range at an inlet of the heat sink side of the HRU.
  • This second temperature range provides him a predetermined upper limit temperature (Tmax) and a predetermined lower limit temperature (Tmin) within which the waste heat producing circuit (10) on the other side of the HRU can be operated stably at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER);
  • the fluid temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger at the heat source side of the HRU is within the first temperature range within which the waste heat producing circuit can be operated at the optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the temperature achieved at the outlet of the heat exchanger is the entrance temperature for the expansion step of the waste heat producing circuit.
  • external energy to operate a condenser or cooler is not necessary and the overall energy balance for the commercial or industrial entity can be reduced.
  • the method of the invention controls the fluid temperature and/or the return flow rate in the return line of the heat consuming circuit by means of controlling one or more flow valves installed at the at least one heat energy consumer such that the temperature in the heat consuming circuit return line to the HRU does not exceed the predetermined upper limit temperature (T max ) neither falls below the predetermined lower limit temperature (T min ) both together defining the second temperature range.
  • T max predetermined upper limit temperature
  • T min predetermined lower limit temperature
  • the waste heat producing circuit can be stably operated around its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or coefficient of performance (COP) in case of a heating system at the heat source side of the heat recovery unit HRU.
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • COP coefficient of performance
  • the flow rate through the return line can be monitored and controlled.
  • the fluid temperature at the inlet of the HRU at the heat sink side will be a mixed temperature of the different return lines of a variety of consumers. So, by means of monitoring and controlling the flow rate in the return lines of the consumers, the fluid temperature entering the HRU at the heat sink side can be influenced. Monitoring of the fluid temperature entering the HRU at the heat sink side can be done, e.g.
  • an additional temperature sensor providing this temperature signal to one or more consumers or to a superordinated or supervising unit being capable to send a corresponding signal/command to the one or more flow valves.
  • changing the flow rate can be used as an additional optimization to achieve an optimum temperature at the primary outlet of the heat exchanger in the thermal energy distribution installation of a commercial or industrial entity in order to operate at all times the waste heat producing circuit at the optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • control of the temperature in the return line and/or the control of the flow rate in the return line can be used to permit changing heat demands in the heat consumer circuit, wherein the temperature in the return line towards the HRU can stay within the pre-determined temperature range.
  • the method according to the invention preferably controls whether the temperature exceeds the predetermined upper limit temperature (T max ) or falls below the predetermined lower limit temperature (T min ) in the return line and only commands to open or close a flow valve, respectively a flow passage, at a consumer in the heat consuming circuit in order to hold the temperature within the second temperature range in case the fluid temperature leaves the second temperature range.
  • the method commands a flow valve at the return line of at least one heat consumer to close the return line and to reduce the consumer return flow - provided that the fluid temperature in the return line of the heat consumer is higher than T max . Accordingly, the flow valve can be commanded to open and to increase the flow rate through the consumer return line when the fluid temperature at the consumer return is lower than T max .
  • the method commands a flow valve at the return line of the at least one heat consumer to open the return line and to increase the consumer return flow - provided that the fluid temperature in the return line of the heat consumer is higher than T min . Accordingly, the flow valve will be commanded to close the flow passage to reduce the flow rate through the consumer return line when the fluid temperature at the consumer return is lower than T min .
  • the priority of the method according to the invention is to provide optimum fluid temperature conditions for the waste heat producing circuit at the primary outlet of the heat exchanger connected to the heat source side of the HRU.
  • This preferably at a temperature which is does not require the need to use a cooler or condenser in the waste heat producing circuit, i.e. to provide a refrigerant temperature at the primary outlet which is optimum for expansion to achieve optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for the waste heat producing circuit.
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • the refrigerant of the waste heat producing circuit will comprise at the outlet of the heat exchanger a temperature higher than the optimum temperature for expansion, such that a cooler or condenser is needed to bring the temperature of the refrigerant (further) down.
  • a situation which, e.g., probably can occur at hot summer days when one or a plurality of vapor-compression cycles used as the waste heat producing circuit(s) are installed at a supermarket running all at high performance and on the other side of the HRU - the heat consuming side of the HRU - shows only a low demand of heat energy, as, for instance, only air-conditioning is required but no ambient heating nor hot tap water.
  • the capacity of the heat consuming circuit to assume all waste energy is not sufficient to fulfil the duty for the method according to the invention is to hold the temperature in the heat consuming circuit return line within the predetermined temperature range - in order to run the waste heat producing circuit at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger will be too high for the expansion step and must be cooled by means of a cooler or condenser dissipating heat energy to the ambient. This does not only result in loss of heat energy since also means supplying additional (electrical) energy to the cooler/condenser to reduce the temperature in the fluid before expansion.
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the method of the invention provides for a bypass line bypassing the heat exchanger for all or part of the fluid and mixing it again with the outlet flow from the heat exchanger before entering the expansion step by means of a 3-way valve.
  • a cooling step is not required as the two flows can be mixed at the optimal temperature for the expansion step.
  • the bypass step should be omitted, meaning that a bypass line to the heat exchanger should be kept closed during normal operation of the heat distribution system according to the invention.
  • energy consumption reduction measures at the heat consuming circuit like improving isolation or to reduce, e.g., room temperature in the commercial or industrial entity or to reduce tap water temperature, and so on.
  • an external heating can be installed such that the temperature in the return line can be increased again at least to T min - the predetermined lower temperature limit.
  • Another measure would be to reduce the amount of produced waste energy (heat) if possible, e.g. by improving the isolation of food cooling compartments. In case of food refrigerant or cooling compartments in the waste heat producing circuit a raise in temperature is not an available alternative as it would endanger the food quality.
  • a heat energy distribution system installed to a commercial or industrial entity having a heat recovery unit (HRU) to which at the heat source side via a heat exchanger a waste heat producing circuit is connected.
  • HRU heat recovery unit
  • a heat consuming circuit is connected with at least one or more heat energy consumer for providing heat energy to the commercial or industrial entity.
  • a temperature controlled flow valves is installed in each return line of the least one or more heat energy consumer.
  • Each flow valve comprises a control unit and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in the return line.
  • Each control unit is capable to command an actuator of the flow valve to open or close the corresponding flow valve passage such that the temperature in the return line of the consumer does not exceed a predetermined upper limit temperature (Tmax) neither fall below a predetermined lower limit temperature (Tmin).
  • such a configured heat energy distribution system is capable to perform the underlying idea of the invention. Especially by arranging controllable flow valves in the return lines of the consumers enables the heat energy distribution system of the invention to hold the temperature of the fluid in the joint return line of the heat consuming circuit to the HRU in a temperature range which is preferred to operate the waste heat producing circuit at the other side of the HRU at the optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the heat transfer capacities of all involved heat exchangers in the HRU and for the one between the HRU and the waste heat producing circuit are known, and the fluid temperature range for the fluid of the waste heat producing circuit for entering a cooler or condenser is also known, the temperature range with which the fluid of the heat consuming circuit should enter the HRU can be determined without big efforts.
  • this temperature range can be controlled, and the temperature in the joint return line can be maintained within the pre-determined temperature range, eventually by the (additional) help of a temperature sensor at the heat sink side inlet of the HRU.
  • the upper predetermined temperature limit (T max ) and lower predetermined temperature limit (T min ) of this calculated temperature range at the heat consumption side can be set at the individual control units in dependency that the waste heat producing circuit is operatable at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • different temperature ranges can be set at different consumers or groups of consumers.
  • the inlet temperature to the HRU has to be kept within the calculated temperature range for assuring that the waste heat producing circuit at the other side of the HRU is operable at the optimum Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • the flow valves at the return lines of the consumer are pressure independent or pressure dependent flow valves, which are controlled, e.g., in an on/off manner or in a modulated manner.
  • the actuation of the flow valves respectively their actuators can be analogically controlled via a 0-10 V / 0-20 mA current or can be digitally controlled via any communication protocol. This can be realized by solenoids or other electric drives known in the art.
  • control unit of the flow valve generates a corresponding command with which the actuator movement can be performed in an adequate manner in order to enable, disable, restrict, open or close the flow valve passage in dependency of the temperature in return line measured by a temperature sensor of the associate flow valve or provided by a temperature range set signal received, for example from a Building Management System or another temperature sensor, e.g. from one installed close to the inlet in the return line to the HRU.
  • the waste heat producing circuit is a refrigeration circuit using CO 2 or any other gas as refrigerant.
  • a person skilled in the relevant art can think of a plurality of possible cycle processes which can be used in implementation of the invention, which are not necessarily vapor-compression cycle processes since also a Carnot process working with steam whose remaining heat after the expansion phase can be used according to the invention as waste heat, while the Carnot process is optimized by augmenting the temperature difference at which the Carnot process is operated.
  • the heat consuming circuit preferably is a heating, ventilation air conditioning (HVAC)-circuit with all possible heat consumers a person skilled in the relevant art is aware of.
  • HVAC heating, ventilation air conditioning
  • the individual fluid temperatures in the return lines of different consumers or consumer groups can differ from each other, as they can be mixed in the joint return line of the HVAC-circuit to fulfil the criteria that the inlet fluid temperature at the heat sink side of the HRU is within the pre-determined required temperature range, such that the cycle process on the heat source of the HRU is operable at the optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or optimal Coefficient of Performance (COP).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • COP optimal Coefficient of Performance
  • flow valves are used preferably which comprise an electro-mechanical operable actuator configured to open and close a flow passage through the flow valve, which further comprise a temperature sensor for monitoring a medium temperature in the fluid line.
  • a control unit of the flow valve is configured to set a predetermined upper limit temperature (T max ) and a predetermined lower limit temperature (T min ) and to command the actuator of the flow valve to open or close the flow passage.
  • a microcontroller in the control unit is capable to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to determine whether the temperature signal indicates a fluid/medium temperature within, below or above a pre-set temperature range.
  • the microcontroller in the control unit of the flow valve is configured to create an open valve command to the actuator of the flow valve in case the temperature signal indicates a fluid/medium temperature is below the temperature range, or to create a close valve command to the actuator in case the temperature signal indicates a medium temperature above the temperature range.
  • the temperature sensor of the flow valve detects the fluid temperature to be within the pre-set/pre-determined temperature range no command is generated and the flow rate through the flow valve is maintained as long as the sensed temperature does not leave the predetermined temperature range.
  • an individual flow valve is provided.
  • an individual temperature range can be set, wherein flow valves of a group of consumers may set to same pre-determined temperature range.
  • the control unit of the flow valve further comprises a digital interface capable to receive wire-based or wireless an external temperature range set command, or temperature or command signal, in order to be capable to monitor and control the fluid temperature in the associated return line.
  • the digital interface of the control unit may further be capable to receive the predetermined upper limit temperature (T max ) and the predetermined lower limit temperature (T min ) from a superordinated or supervisory control system, wherein the superordinated or supervisory control system can be a Building Management System (BMS).
  • BMS Building Management System
  • the flow valve according to the invention can be part of a Building Management System wherein the flow valve comprises its own intelligence to decide whether a flow rate through the flow valve should stay as it is or should be lowered or increased depending on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor belonging to the flow valve.
  • FIG 1 shows schematically an embodiment of a heat energy distribution system according to the invention.
  • a waste heat producing circuit 10 is depicted and framed with a dotted line.
  • the cycle process of the waste heat producing circuit 10 runs counterclockwise and represents only exemplarily a vapor/gas-compression refrigeration system.
  • these processes can use different fluids/mediums as refrigerant which can be present in liquid and/or gaseous form during one cycle.
  • cycle refrigeration processes are known to a person skilled in the relevant art further detailing of these processes is omitted at this point.
  • a compressor 15 pressurize the refrigerant after - where appropriate - an evaporation step, whereby the refrigerant is heated up and guided towards a cooler or condenser 19.
  • the hot refrigerant is cooled down first, before entering the cooler or condenser 19 at a primary side 21 of a heat exchanger 20 whose secondary side 22 is connected to a HRU (heat recovery unit) 30.
  • the hot refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 20 at the primary side 21 at an inlet 25 and leaves the heat exchanger 20 at an outlet 26 on the same primary side of the heat exchanger 20, however with a lower temperature, because a cooler HRU-refrigerant flows through the secondary side 22 of the heat exchanger 20.
  • the HRU-refrigerant - regularly a liquid refrigerant, e.g. water - is capable to receive the (waste) heat from the (gaseous) refrigerant of the waste heat producing circuit 10 and transports/transfers it further via other heat exchangers - usually liquid/liquid heat exchangers - to a heat consuming circuit 40.
  • At least one heat consumer 43 is arranged for dissipating or storing heat.
  • This at least one heat energy consumer can be selected from a multitude of possible heat energy consumers for which in Figure 1 three examples are shown: an air conditioning or ventilation system 43.1, a hydronic heating 43.2, domestic hot water (tank) 43.3.
  • an air conditioning or ventilation system 43.1 a hydronic heating 43.2
  • domestic hot water (tank) 43.3 a person skilled in the relevant art will find a plurality of other consumers 43.n using heat energy, like (floor) heating, de-icing, evaporator solutions, which all may be grouped under the term Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
  • HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • waste heat produced in the waste heat producing circuit 10 which can be used ambient friendly at the heat sink side of the HRU by a multitude of consumers 43.n, wherein "n" indicates that one device/element can be present n-times, wherein equal numbering indicates a group of associated parts.
  • the temperature T in the return line 42 to the HRU 30 is controlled and hold in a temperature range such that the waste heat producing circuit 10 at the heat source side of the HRU 30 is capable to operate at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the method according to the invention defines in a first step a first temperature range for the refrigerant of the waste heat producing circuit 10 at the outlet 26 of the heat exchanger 20.
  • This temperature range follows from the optimal temperature with which the refrigerant should enter an expansion valve 14 in the waste heat producing circuit 10, and which temperature should be constant for operation of the waste heat producing circuit 10 at the optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and ensuring a constant compartment freezing or cooling temperature in case of a vapor compression cooling circuit, as shown exemplarily with Figure 1 .
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • this temperature optimal for the expansion step determines the lower end of the first temperature range for the refrigerant temperature at outlet 26.
  • the upper end of the first temperature range is given by the cooling capacity of the cooler/condenser 19. So, the temperature delta/temperature difference the cooler/condenser is capable to achieve, can be added to the optimal expansion temperature and provides therewith the upper end of the first temperature range.
  • the first temperature range at the outlet 26 of the heat exchanger has to be converted to a second temperature range for the heat transporting medium in the return line 42 of the heat consuming circuit 40 - also usually water.
  • This conversion can be done according to the invention, e.g., by using the temperature deltas achievable at the secondary side of the heat exchanger 20 as well as the temperature deltas achievable at the heat source and the heat sink side of the HRU 30. So, e.g. by simple arithmetic the first temperature range can be converted to the second temperature range for the heat transport medium in the return line 42 respectively the feed line 36 of the HRU 30 on the heat sink side.
  • the waste heat producing circuit 10 is operatable at its optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Additionally, as long as the temperature of the heat transport medium in return line 42 is within the pre-determined second temperature range, the refrigerant of the waste heat producing circuit 10 at the outlet 26 is according to the invention within the first temperature range too. However, in case where a heat demand at the heat consuming circuit 40, i.e.
  • the temperature in the return line 42 could fall below the lower predetermined temperature limit of the second temperature range such that the temperature at the outlet 26 of the heat exchanger 20 would be too low for an optimal operation of the waste heat producing circuit 10.
  • the invention provides for a bypass line 17 bypassing the inlet 25 with the outlet 26 and therewith the heat exchangers 20 primary side 21.
  • a feed line 12 connects the outlet 26 with a 3-way valve 18 and comprises as second inlet the bypass line 17.
  • the outlet of 3-way valve 18 is connected to the cooler/condenser 19. According to the invention the 3-way valve 18 closes the bypass line 17 as long as the temperature in return line 42 stays within the pre-determined upper and the lower temperature limits.
  • the 3-way valve 18 opens the bypass line 17 at least partially such that hot refrigerant can be mixed with the refrigerant below pre-determined lower limit temperature, which having passed the primary side 21 of the heat exchanger 20.
  • the refrigerant temperature can be adjusted to an optimum temperature for the expansion step.
  • the storage capacity of the HRU 30 can be used to assume the surplus of heat energy until the storage(s) is completely charged. If too much waste heat energy is still produced, heat has to be dissipated to the ambient either at the heat source or the heat sink side of the HRU 30.
  • a person skilled in the relevant art also could think about connecting the heat distribution system, e.g. the one shown in Figure 1 , to an external heating grid or to increase the thermal energy consumption at the heat sink side, for instance, by rising the room temperature in the commercial or industrial entity or to rise the storage temperature for domestic hot water or hydronic heating.
  • the method according to the invention intends to prevent that the temperature of heat transport medium in return line 42 exceeds the pre-determined upper limit temperature T max .
  • the waste heat producing circuit 10 operates at is optimal Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), however the cooler/condenser 19 has to be driven in order to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the outlet 26 of the heat exchanger 20.
  • EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • the method according to the invention preferably intends to lower the temperature of the heat transport medium in return line 42 within the pre-determined temperature range T R .
  • the method according to the invention preferably uses a flow valve 45 installed at the return lines 42 of each consumer connected in the heat consuming circuit 40.
  • the flow valve 45 according to the invention comprises an electro-mechanical operable actuator 46 which is configured to open and close a flow passage 44 through the flow valve 45 and therewith through the associated return line 42 (see Figure 1 ).
  • a temperature sensor 47 of the flow valve 45 is prepared for monitoring the temperature of heat transfer medium in the fluid line 42.
  • the flow valve 45 is configured to autonomously detect the temperature of heat transport medium in the associated return line 42.n of the consumer 43.n.
  • the flow valve 45 is installed downstream of consumer 43.n in the return line 42.n.
  • indexing ".n” is used for "n” possible consumers 43 each having one flow valve 45.n mounted to the return line 42.n downstream of the consumer 43.n.
  • "n” is a natural number starting with “1". In the example for a heat energy distribution system of Figure 1 "n" is equal to three.
  • Each control unit 48.n of the flow valves 45.n of the invention is configured to receive a temperature signal from his own temperature sensor 47.n, e.g., periodically, and decides whether the belonging actuator 46.n has to open or close the flow passage 44.n in order to modify the flow rate through the flow valve 45.n.
  • a temperature signal from his own temperature sensor 47.n, e.g., periodically, and decides whether the belonging actuator 46.n has to open or close the flow passage 44.n in order to modify the flow rate through the flow valve 45.n.
  • the temperature of the heat transport medium is within the second temperature range T R there is no need to change the flow rate. In this case no command of the control unit 48.n to the actuator 46.n is generated and the set flow rate through the flow passage remains constant.
  • the control unit 48.n e.g. by the help of the microcontroller arranged within the control unit 48.
  • the control unit 48.n creates and sends a corresponding close passage 44.n command to the actuator 46.n of the flow valve 45.n in order to reduce the flow passage 44.n or even close it completely. If the temperature of the heat transport medium in the associated return line 42.n falls below the pre-determined lower limit temperature the flow rate through the passage 44.n of the flow valve 45.n has to be increased in order to bring the temperature in the associated return line 42.n back within the temperature range T R . In this case the control unit 48.n creates and sends a corresponding open passage 44.n command to the actuator 46.n of the flow valve 45.n in order to increase the flow passage 44.n or even open it completely.
  • each consumer 43.n can be controlled individually. This enables a separate setting for each consumer associated flow valve 45.n.
  • consumers 43.n with a higher temperature in the return line 42.n however with a lower flow rate can be set to a temperature T R whose temperature level as a whole is higher than, e.g. another consumer 43.n+1 having a high flow rate in the return line 42.n+1 but at a lower temperature.
  • These temperature ranges T R can be set manually at each flow valve 45.n individually or alternatively set by a superordinated or supervising control system, e.g. a Building Management System (BMS).
  • BMS Building Management System
  • Such a BMS may, e.g., monitor the temperature of the joint return line 42 of the heat consuming circuit 40 and send a temperature range modification signal to one or more control units 48.n at the flow valves 45.n such that they can change their temperature range setting in order to fulfil the required second temperature range T R for the temperature of the heat transport medium at the inlet of the HRU 30.
  • the flow valve 45 For receiving such control or change setting signals, the flow valve 45 according to the invention comprise a digital interface 49 with which the flow valves 45.n can be connected to each other by a bus, LAN, or WLAN network.
  • the present invention provides for simple control method for a heat energy distribution system which uses the temperature control at the heat sink side of the HRU in order to provide sufficient heat absorption capacity to a waste heat producing circuit such that preferably all arising waste heat in a waste heat producing circuit can be transferred to the heat consuming circuit and used there effectively for satisfying heat energy demands.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
  • Control Of Temperature (AREA)
EP24201573.3A 2023-09-25 2024-09-20 Verfahren, system und vorrichtung zur steuerung eines heiz- und kühlsystems einer kommerziellen oder industriellen einheit Active EP4528175B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA202330227A DK181878B1 (en) 2023-09-25 2023-09-25 Method, System and Device for controlling a heating and cooling system of a commercial or industrial entity

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EP4528175A1 true EP4528175A1 (de) 2025-03-26
EP4528175C0 EP4528175C0 (de) 2025-11-12
EP4528175B1 EP4528175B1 (de) 2025-11-12

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2551268A1 (en) 2006-06-28 2007-12-28 Jeffrey R. Martin An apparatus for heating a restaurant kitchen, dining room, and hot water supply
CA2797794A1 (en) * 2010-05-05 2011-11-10 Greensleeves, LLC Energy chassis and energy exchange device
CA2844228A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-15 Energy Recovery Systems Inc. Retrofit hot water system and method
DE102015113340A1 (de) * 2014-08-13 2016-02-18 Carnotherm Gmbh Heizungsanlage und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Heizungsanlage
DE102017006550A1 (de) * 2017-07-11 2019-01-17 Thomas Noll HVACC-Anlage zum Heizen, Lüften, Klimatisieren und zur zentralen Kältemittelversorgung für ein Gebäude
CA3076442C (en) * 2017-10-10 2022-04-12 Eut Edelstahl Umformtechnik Gmbh Self-regulating adjustment device for a flow control valve, a temperature control system and a distributor device having the same, and associated methods
EP3511635B1 (de) * 2018-01-12 2022-09-07 Computime, Ltd. Schubbolzenlagermechanismus für aktuatoren

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4171722A (en) * 1977-02-03 1979-10-23 Modine Manufacturing Company Heat recovery system
CN106482337A (zh) * 2016-07-12 2017-03-08 广州市兵科节能科技有限公司 废热回收热水器
CN208832671U (zh) * 2018-08-01 2019-05-07 郑州新农村蔬菜食品有限公司 一种压缩空调余热回收装置

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2551268A1 (en) 2006-06-28 2007-12-28 Jeffrey R. Martin An apparatus for heating a restaurant kitchen, dining room, and hot water supply
CA2797794A1 (en) * 2010-05-05 2011-11-10 Greensleeves, LLC Energy chassis and energy exchange device
CA2844228A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-15 Energy Recovery Systems Inc. Retrofit hot water system and method
DE102015113340A1 (de) * 2014-08-13 2016-02-18 Carnotherm Gmbh Heizungsanlage und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Heizungsanlage
DE102017006550A1 (de) * 2017-07-11 2019-01-17 Thomas Noll HVACC-Anlage zum Heizen, Lüften, Klimatisieren und zur zentralen Kältemittelversorgung für ein Gebäude
CA3076442C (en) * 2017-10-10 2022-04-12 Eut Edelstahl Umformtechnik Gmbh Self-regulating adjustment device for a flow control valve, a temperature control system and a distributor device having the same, and associated methods
EP3511635B1 (de) * 2018-01-12 2022-09-07 Computime, Ltd. Schubbolzenlagermechanismus für aktuatoren

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4528175C0 (de) 2025-11-12
CN119687596A (zh) 2025-03-25
DK202330227A1 (en) 2025-02-28
EP4528175B1 (de) 2025-11-12
DK181878B1 (en) 2025-02-28

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