Circulation pump assembly for a heating and/or cooling system

Abstract

A circulation pump assembly for a heating and/or cooling system includes an electric drive motor (108) and a connected pump housing (106) in which at least one impeller (118) is situated and which comprises a first inlet (112) and a first outlet (114). The pump housing (106) includes a second inlet (122) which is connected in an inside of the pump housing (106) at a mixing point (130) to the first inlet (112). A regulating valve (134), which is designed for regulating the mixing ratio of two flows mixing at the mixing point (130), as well as a control device, which controls the regulating valve (134) for regulating the mixing ration, are arranged in the pump housing (106). A hydraulic manifold is provided with such a circulation pump assembly.

Claims

1. A circulation pump assembly for a heating and/or cooling system, the circulation pump assembly comprising: an electric drive motor; at least one impeller; a pump housing connected to this drive motor, the at least one impeller being situated in the pump housing, the pump housing comprising a first inlet, an outlet and a second inlet which is connected in an inside of the pump housing at a mixing point to the first inlet; a regulating valve regulating a mixing ratio of two flows mixing at the mixing point, the regulating valve being arranged in the pump housing; a control device controlling the regulating valve for regulating the mixing ratio; an electronics housing, wherein the control device is arranged in the electronics housing on the drive motor, wherein electronic components are arranged in the electronic housing for regulating the drive motor; at least one temperature sensor arranged in the inside of the pump housing and in or adjacent to a flow path through the pump housing, the temperature sensor measuring a fluid temperature of fluid exiting the pump housing, wherein the control device is signal-connected to the at least one temperature sensor such that the control device controls the regulating valve based on a signal of the at least one temperature sensor; and at least another temperature sensor connected to the control device, the another temperature sensor measuring a return fluid temperature of a load circuit, the control device receiving the return fluid temperature as input, the control device controlling the regulating valve based on the fluid temperature and the return fluid temperature such that a difference between the return fluid temperature and the fluid temperature is maintained at a constant predetermined temperature.

2. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the regulating valve is arranged in a first flow path from the first inlet to the mixing point, for the regulation of flow.

3. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pump housing comprises a second outlet which via a channel in the inside of the pump housing is connected to the second inlet.

4. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 3, wherein the regulating valve for regulating the flow is arranged in the channel between the second inlet and the second outlet, downstream of a connection of the channel to the mixing point.

5. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the regulating valve is a three-way valve which arranged in the mixing point.

6. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pump housing is manufactured as one piece of plastic.

7. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the regulating valve is a motorically driven valve.

8. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pump housing is formed on a housing side with a connection for connection to a hydraulic manifold.

9. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second inlet as well as the first outlet of the pump housing are situated on a housing side with the connection for the hydraulic manifold.

10. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve, wherein the pump housing comprises a second outlet and a channel, the channel being located in the inside of the pump housing, the second outlet being connected to the second inlet via the channel, the mixing point being connected to the channel via the check valve, the at least one temperature sensor measuring the fluid temperature of fluid exiting the outlet, the outlet and the temperature sensor being located downstream of the impeller with respect to a flow of the fluid, the control device receiving the fluid temperature as input, the control device being configured to compare the fluid temperature with a predetermined temperature and to control the regulating valve based on the fluid temperature such that the fluid exiting the outlet is equal to the predetermined temperature.

11. A hydraulic manifold and circulation pump assembly combination comprising: a circulation pump assembly comprising: an electric drive motor; at least one impeller; a pump housing connected to this drive motor, the at least one impeller being situated in the pump housing, the pump housing comprising a first inlet, an outlet and a second inlet which is connected in an inside of the pump housing at a mixing point to the first inlet; a regulating valve regulating a mixing ratio of two flows mixing at the mixing point, the regulating valve being arranged in the pump housing; and a control device controlling the regulating valve for regulating the mixing ratio; an electronics housing, wherein the control device is arranged in the electronics housing on the drive motor, wherein electronic components are arranged in the electronic housing for regulating the drive motor; at least one temperature sensor arranged in the inside of the pump housing and in or adjacent to a flow path through the pump housing, wherein the control device is signal-connected to the at least one temperature sensor, the at least one temperature sensor measuring a fluid temperature of fluid exiting the pump housing; at least another temperature sensor connected to the control device, the another temperature sensor measuring a return fluid temperature of a load circuit, the control device receiving the return fluid temperature as input, the control device controlling the regulating valve based on the fluid temperature and the return fluid temperature such that a difference between the return fluid temperature and the fluid temperature is maintained at a constant predetermined temperature; at least one load module connected to the pump housing, the at least one load module comprising a section of a feed conduit and/or a section of a return conduit, wherein the section of the feed conduit is connected to the first outlet of the pump housing and comprises a feed connection and the section of the return conduit is connected to the second inlet of the pump housing and comprises a return connection.

12. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 11, wherein the at least one load module is releasably connected to the pump housing.

13. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 11, further comprising a further load module, wherein the at least one load module has a first longitudinal end connected releasably to the pump housing, and has a distant, second longitudinal end connected releasably to the further load module.

14. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 11, further comprising a regulating device for regulating the flow through a load circuit connected to the feed connection wherein the return connection is arranged in the at least one load module.

15. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 11, further comprising an electronics housing arranged on the drive motor wherein the control device is a manifold control device arranged in the electronics housing and signal-connected to the regulating device in the load module for activation thereof.

16. A hydraulic manifold according to claim 11, further comprising a further load module and an electric coupling formed between the load module and the pump housing and between the load module and the further load module.

17. A circulation pump assembly for a heating and/or cooling system, the circulation pump assembly comprising: an electric drive motor; at least one impeller; a pump housing connected to the drive motor, the at least one impeller being arranged in the pump housing, the pump housing comprising a first inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet and a second inlet which is connected in an inside of the pump housing at a mixing point to the first inlet; a regulating valve regulating a mixing ratio of two flows mixing at the mixing point, the regulating valve being arranged in the pump housing; a control device; an electronics housing, wherein the control device is arranged in the electronics housing on the drive motor, wherein electronic components are arranged in the electronic housing, the electronic components being configured to control the drive motor and to control the regulating valve for regulating the mixing ratio, the first inlet and the first outlet defining a first flow path, the impeller being arranged in the first flow path, the second inlet being connected to the second outlet via a channel in the pump housing, the second outlet, the second inlet and the channel defining a second flow path, the first flow path being in fluid communication with the second flow path; a temperature sensor arranged in the inside of the pump housing, the temperature sensor being connected to the first flow path in the inside of the pump housing, the temperature sensor measuring a fluid temperature of fluid exiting the first outlet, the control device receiving the fluid temperature as input, the control device comparing the fluid temperature with a predetermined temperature, the control device controlling the regulating valve based on the fluid temperature such the temperature of the fluid exiting the first outlet is equal to the predetermined temperature; and another temperature sensor connected to the control device, the another temperature sensor measuring a return fluid temperature of a load circuit, the control device receiving the return fluid temperature as input, the control device controlling the regulating valve based on the fluid temperature and the return fluid temperature such that a difference between the return fluid temperature and the fluid temperature is maintained at a constant predetermined temperature.

18. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 17, further comprising: at least one load module, the pump housing comprising a plug coupling, the at least one load module being connected to the pump housing via the plug coupling.

19. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 18, wherein the outlet defines at least a portion of the plug coupling, the plug coupling defining an opening, at least a portion of the at least one load module being arranged in the opening.

20. A circulation pump assembly according to claim 17, further comprising: a check valve located between the first flow path and the second flow path; a connector, the mixing point being connected to the channel via the connector, the check valve being arranged at a position along an extent of the connector, the channel being in fluid communication with the mixing point via the check valve, the regulating valve being arranged in one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a hydraulic manifold according to the invention, in the non-assembled condition;

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the hydraulic manifold according to FIG. 1, in the assembled condition;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main module of the hydraulic manifold according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a load module of the hydraulic manifold according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hydraulic manifold with the main module according to FIG. 3 and the load module according to FIG. 4; and

(6) FIG. 6 is a plan view of the hydraulic manifold according to FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(7) Referring to the drawings, the hydraulic manifold shown in the FIGS. 1-6 is constructed in a modular manner and consists of essentially of two types of modules, of a main module 102 as well as of several load modules 104. The main module 102 is formed essentially by a pump assembly. As is shown in FIG. 3, the pump assembly comprises a pump housing 106 with a stator housing 108 which is arranged thereon. The necessary flow paths as well as a receiving space 120 for an impeller 118 are formed in the pump housing 106. The impeller 118 is driven by an electrical drive motor which is arranged in the motor housing or stator housing 108. Thereby, the electrical drive motor is preferably designed as a wet-running motor. An electronics housing 110, in which amongst other things the electronic components for the control or regulation of the electrical drive motor in the stator housing 108 are accommodated, is arranged on the outer side of the stator housing 108 at the axial end.

(8) The circulation pump assembly shown in FIG. 3 forms the main module 102. With this circulation pump assembly, apart from the impeller, the components of a mixing device, whose function is described by way of FIGS. 1 and 2, are accommodated in the pump housing 106, next to the impeller. The pump housing comprises a first inlet 112 as well as a first outlet 114. The circulation pump with the impeller 118 lies in a first flow path 116 between the first inlet 112 and the first outlet 114. The impeller 118 lies in a receiving space 120 in the inside of the pump housing 106 which is schematically represented in the FIGS. 1 and 2 as a dashed line. The impeller 118, driven by the drive motor, delivers a fluid functioning as a heat transfer medium, i.e. a liquid, from the first inlet 112 to the first outlet 114.

(9) The pump housing 106 moreover comprises a second inlet 122 as well as a second outlet 124. The second inlet 122 is connected to the second outlet 124 via a channel 126 which forms a flow path in the inside of the pump housing 106. The channel 126 does not lead through the impeller 118, but extends separately in the pump housing 106. The channel 126 is connected via a connection 128 to a mixing region or mixing point 130 in the flow path 116. The fluid flows from the first inlet 112 and the second inlet 122 are mixed at the mixing point 130. Since the impeller 118 is situated downstream of the mixing point 130, it sucks fluid from the first inlet 112 as well as from the channel 126 via the connection 128 and thus from the second inlet 122. A check valve 132 is arranged in the connection 128 and permits a flow only in the direction from the channel 126 to the mixing point 130.

(10) A regulating valve 134 is arranged in the flow path from the first inlet 112 to the mixing point 130. This is settable in its opening degree via an electrical drive motor 136. The regulating valve 134 functions as a mixing valve, in order to be able to set the mixing ratio of the two mentioned flows at the mixing point 130. No flow can be effected from the first inlet 112 to the mixing point 130 if the regulating valve 134 is closed, and the circulation pump via its impeller 118 sucks fluid exclusively via the second inlet 122 through the channel 126 and the connection 128. If the regulating valve 134 is opened, a part of the flow through the pump assembly is sucked through the first inlet 112, so that a flow from the first inlet 112 is mixed with a flow from the second inlet 122, in the mixing point 130. The mixing ratio changes depending on the opening degree of the regulating valve 134. If now the first inlet 112 is connected to a feed of a heating system, through which hot fluid is fed, and the second inlet 122 is connected to a return of at least one load circuit, colder fluid is then fed through the second inlet 122 and admixed. Thus, by way of admixing the colder fluid from the second inlet 122 to the warmer fluid from the first inlet 112, it is thus possible to reduce the feed temperature of the fluid exiting from the first outlet 114 downstream of the mixing point 130, with respect to the temperature of the fluid entering into the first inlet 112. The actually reached feed temperature at the first outlet 114 is detected via a temperature sensor 138 which is likewise integrated into the circulation pump assembly or its pump housing 106. It is to be understood that the regulating valve 134 could also be arranged in a corresponding manner between the second outlet 124 and the branching of the connection 128 from the channel 126, instead of in the flow path between the first inlet 112 and the mixing point 130.

(11) In the case that the shown hydraulic manifold is used for a cooling system, a cold fluid can be fed through the first inlet 112, whilst warmer fluid is fed via the second inlet 22 from the return of the load circuit. Thus, by way of the admixing of this warmer fluid at the mixing point 130, it is possible to increase the feed temperature of the fed cold fluid. Here too, the temperature can be set to the desired temperature by way of setting the mixing ratio.

(12) The regulation or control of this mixing device, i.e. the temperature regulation, is assumed by a control device 140 which is arranged in the electronics housing 110 of the circulation pump assembly 102. The control device 140 activates the motor 136 of the regulating valve 134 such that this assumes an opening degree which is set by the control device 140. For this, the motor 136 of the regulating valve 134 is connected to the control device 140 via a signal connection 142 which can be designed for example as a data bus. The temperature sensor 138 is also connected to the control device 140 via a signal connection 144. Thus, the control device 140 by way of setting the regulating valve 134 can regulate the admixing of the fluid from the return at the mixing point 130 and thus set a desired feed temperature, wherein a corresponding feedback to control device 140 is effected via the temperature sensor 138, and this permits a temperature regulation.

(13) All the described hydraulic components of the mixing device which are shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as the impeller 118 of the circulation pump assembly are arranged in the pump housing 106. The pump housing 106 with all its parts, in which the described flow paths are formed, is preferably manufactured as one piece of plastic. Thus, a very simple connection between the described mixing device and the components of the circulation pump can be achieved, since all components are integrated into a single-piece housing 106. A very compact construction with as simultaneously simple assembly is achieved by way of this. Additionally, a bleed valve 146 which is not shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, is arranged in the pump housing 106.

(14) The previously described mixing device in the example of a hydraulic manifold which is shown here, serves as a mixing device for a floor heating. The hydraulic manifold is designed as a manifold for a floor heating installation. The mixing device thus serves for reducing the temperature of a heating medium to the temperature necessary for the floor heating. This is effected by way admixing the colder fluid from the return, as has been previously described.

(15) The hydraulic manifold shown here, which is provided for use as a manifold for a floor heating system, is moreover constructed in a modular manner. The first outlet 114 and also the second inlet 122 are designed as hydraulic couplings at one side 146 of the main module 102, i.e. of the circulation pump assembly 102, into which couplings a feed coupling 148 as well as a return coupling 150 of the load module 104 arranged adjacently the main module 102 engage. A section of a feed conduit 152 and also a section of the return conduit 154 are formed in the load module 104. The section of the feed conduit 152 connects the first feed coupling 148 to a second feed coupling 156 which is situated at the opposite longitudinal end of the load module 104. Accordingly, the section of the return conduit 154 connects the first return coupling 150 to a second return coupling 158 situated at the opposite longitudinal end of the load module 104. The first feed coupling 148 as well as the first return conduit 150 are designed as male coupling parts which can engage into the second feed coupling 156 as well as second return coupling 158 which are designed as a female coupling parts, of an adjacent load module 104, in order to form a fluid-leading connection between sections 152 of the feed conduit which are adjacent one another, as well as sections of the return conduit 154 which are adjacent one another. The first outlet 114 on the main module 102 in a manner corresponding to the second feed coupling 156 is designed as a female coupling, so that the first feed coupling 148 of the adjacent load module 104 can come into fluid-leading connection with the first outlet 114. Accordingly, the second inlet 122 is likewise designed as a female hydraulic coupling, whose design corresponds to that of the second return coupling 158, so that the first return coupling 150 of the adjacent load module 104 can engage with the second inlet 122 for creating a hydraulic connection.

(16) The section of the feed conduit 152 of each load module comprises a feed connection 160. Moreover, in each load module, the section of the return conduit 154 comprises a return connection 162. The entry of a load circuit is connected on the feed connection 160 of each load module 104, and the exit of the associated load circuit is connected onto the return connection 162 of each load module 104. The load circuits here in each case form individual circuits of a floor heating installation, wherein each circuit preferably heats one room.

(17) Moreover, a regulating valve 164 is arranged in each load module 104, between the return connection 162 and the section of the return conduit 154 in the flow path. Each regulating valve 162 comprises an electric drive motor 166, by way of which the associated regulating valve 164 is adjustable in its opening degree. The regulating valves 164 are moreover designed such that they can be completely closed. By way of this complete closure, it is possible to interrupt or switch off the connected load circuit. If the regulating valve 164 is opened, the flow or the volume flow through the load circuit connected to the feed connection 160 or to the return connection 162 can be regulated by way of changing the opening degree via the drive motor 166. The flow can be varied and be adapted to the respective operating condition, in particular to the energy requirement of the load circuit, for each load circuit on operation of the installation, since such a regulating device with a regulating valve 164 is arranged in each load module. The drive motors 166 are connected to the control device 140 functioning as a manifold control device, via an electric connection 168 in each load module 104, said electric connection serving for the energy supply and for data transmission. Moreover, a temperature sensor 138/170 is arranged in each case in the load modules 104, in the flow path between the return connection 152 and the section 154 of the return conduit. The temperature sensor 170 detects the return temperature at the exit of the connected load circuit. The temperature sensors 170 are in each case likewise connected to the electric connection 168 which comprises or forms a data bus.

(18) The load modules 104 each have a module control device 172 for the data transmission or communication with the control device 140. The module control devices 172 permit an addressing of the individual load modules 104 by the control device 140. The control device 140 and the module control device 172 are preferably designed for automatic coupling. Thus, the control device 140 preferably assigns an address to the module control devices 172 and thus to the associated load module 104, so that the control device 140 on the one hand can detect data from the respective load module 104, for example temperature values from the temperature sensor 170, in a targeted manner and simultaneously activate the drive motor 166 for setting the regulating valve 164, in a targeted manner. The flow through the connected load circuit is preferably set by the control device 140 via the regulating valve 164 in dependence on the temperature difference between the temperature sensors 138 and 170, for each load module 104, so that the temperature difference assumes a constant predefined value. Electrical plug-in couplings 174 are provided between the individual load modules 104, for creating the electrical connection or a data connection between the individual load modules 104. For this, corresponding parts of the electrical plug-in couplings 174 are provided on opposite longitude ends of the load modules 104 which in each case can engage with the electrical plug-in coupling 174 of an adjacent load module 104. Accordingly, an electrical plug-in coupling 174 is present between the main module 102 and the adjacent load module 104.

(19) It is possible to connect a desired number of load modules 104 to the main module 102, depending on how many load circuits are to be connected, due to the design of the electrical and hydraulic couplings between the load modules 104 as well as between the load module 104 and the main module 102. Thus, a flexible adaptation to different heating or cooling systems is possible and it is not necessary to keep available premanufactured manifolds in each case for certain numbers of load circuits. In contrast, a hydraulic manifold of the desired size can be constructed in a very simple manner by way of putting together the corresponding number of load modules 104, as is shown in FIG. 2. The last load module 104 which is away from the main module 102 is thereby closed off by way of an end-piece 176, at its free end i.e. its end which is away from the last adjacent load module 104. The end-piece 176 in particular serves for the closure of the second feed coupling 156 as well as of the second return coupling 158 at the end, so that the section of the feed conduit 152 and the section of the return conduit 154 at the free end are sealed to the outside. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the end-piece 176 moreover yet has a bleed valve 178 as well as a connection 180 which is connected to the return conduit 154 and for example can be used for filling or rinsing. This connection 180 is closed in normal operation. Six load modules 104 for six load circuits are joined onto the main module 102 in the examples shown in the FIGS. 5 and 6.

(20) A mechanical connection between the load modules 104 as well as between the first load module 104 and the main load module 102 is created, apart from the described hydraulic and electric connections. The mechanical connection in this example is created by way of engagement of the hydraulic couplings into one another, i.e. of the first feed coupling 148 with the second feed coupling 156 as well as of the first return coupling 150 with the second return coupling 158. However, it is to be understood that here additionally locking or securing elements can be provided, in order to create a fixed mechanical connection between the individual modules 102, 104.

(21) If the modules 102, 104 are joined onto one another, the sections of the feed conduit 152 of the individual load modules 104, as is to be seen in FIG. 2, form a continuous feed conduit 152 whilst the sections of the return conduit 154 form a continuous return conduit 154. The control device 140 forms a central manifold control device which controls or regulates the circulation pump, i.e. its drive motor 108, in particular carries out a speed control or regulation for the drive motor 108, as well as regulates the mixing device by way of activating the regulating valve 134. Moreover, the control device 140 here serves as a central control device for the regulating valves 154 in all load circuits 104. In this, as is described above, it effects a flow regulation and thus serves for switching the individual load circuits on and off. For this, the control device 140 comprises a communication interface or a communication device 181 which permits a communication with external room thermostats 182, in this example via radio. Only two room thermostats 182 are shown in FIG. 2. It is however to be understood that preferably a room thermostat 182 is provided for each room to be thermally regulated. A desired room temperature can be set at the room thermostat 182. If the actual room temperature differs from the set setpoint, the room thermostat 182 sends a signal to the communication interface 181 of the control device 140 which thereupon initiates the switching-on of a load circuit associated with the room thermostat 182, by way of opening the associated regulating valve 164. If a desired room temperature is achieved, then the room thermostat 182 in turn sends a signal, whereupon the control device 140 via the drive motor 166 closes the regulating valve 164 associated with this load circuit, and thus switches off the load circuit which leads through the associated room.

(22) Moreover, an electrical connection 184 is formed on the electronics housing 110 and serves for the electric connection of the complete hydraulic manifold and all its electrical components. The electrical connection 184 is designed here as a plug, on which a mains lead can be connected. Preferably, a mains part is integrated in the electronics housing 110 and only small voltages are transmitted via the electrical connections 168 to the load modules 104.

(23) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

APPENDIX

List of Reference Numerals

(24) 102main module 104load module 106pump housing 108stator housing 110electronics housing 112first inlet 114first outlet 116flow path 118impeller 120receiving space 122second inlet 124second outlet 126channel 128connection 130mixing point 132check valve 134regulating valve 136motor 138temperature sensor 142, 144signal connections 146side 148first feed coupling 150first return coupling 152feed conduit 154return conduit 156second feed coupling 158second return coupling 160feed connection 162return connection 164regulating valve 166drive motor 168electrical connection 170temperature sensor 172module control device 174electrical plug-in coupling 176end piece 178bleed valve 180connection 181communication interface 182room thermostat 184electrical connection