DE102018128140A1 - Heat exchange device - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchange device (1) for an air conditioner, comprising: a. a heat exchanger (300) for the heat exchange between two fluids, in particular between water and air, b. a condensate collecting device, in particular a condensate pan (50), which is arranged and designed such that condensate formed on the heat exchanger (300) can be collected on the condensate collecting device (50), the condensate collecting device (50) being reversibly attached or attachable within the heat exchange device (1) .

Description

The invention relates to a heat exchange device and a corresponding air conditioning system.

As is known, the cooling of an air flow in air conditioning units can take place by means of air-water heat exchangers. When cooling the air flow, the temperature is typically below the dew point and condensation forms on the surface of the heat exchanger. This condensed water is then carried away in droplets by the air flow and is separated from the air flow in a further component, a droplet separator. The condensate drops are separated on the droplet separator and run downwards in the direction of gravity. At the bottom of the air conditioning unit there is a trough that collects the condensate, the condensate being discharged from the air conditioning unit via an outlet.

It is an object of the invention to provide a heat exchange device which is as compact as possible, in which the condensate formed can be removed in a simple and yet effective manner.

This object is achieved in particular by a heat exchange device with the features of claim 1.

In particular, the object is achieved by a heat exchange device for an air conditioner (in particular for cooling room air), comprising the following: a heat exchanger (or heat exchanger) for the heat exchange between two fluids, in particular between (cooling) water, as the first fluid, and one Gas, in particular (room) air, as a second fluid, and a condensate collecting device, in particular a condensate pan, which is arranged and designed such that condensate formed on the heat exchanger can be collected on the condensate collecting device, the condensate collecting device (condensate pan) inside (or on or in) the heat exchange device (in particular without tools) is reversibly attached or attachable.

A core idea of the invention is to provide a reversibly attached or attachable condensate collecting device (condensate pan) in a heat exchange device (heat exchanger unit). At least one corresponding (releasable) fastening and / or holding device can be provided for the reversible attachment. As a result, condensate formed in the heat exchanger can be collected in a comparatively simple manner, the condensate collecting device being able to be removed (at least partially) or separated from the heat exchanger device by the reversibility of the attachment in a manner that is easy to do, so that the condensate collecting device can be cleaned and / or emptied, for example can be. Preferably, a method for operating the heat exchange device or the corresponding air conditioning device does not have to be interrupted during the cleaning. Cleaning can therefore take place in particular during operation.

The condensate pan (generally: collecting device) can preferably be removed without dismantling the heat exchanger or the (entire) heat exchanger device. If the heat exchanger is not permanently connected to the condensate tray (general: collecting device), but e.g. is attached to the housing of the air conditioning unit, it can remain in the air conditioning unit while the condensate pan (general: collecting device) is removed.

The heat exchange device is preferably present as a structural unit, in particular comprising a housing (housing the heat exchanger and / or the condensate collecting device) and / or a frame (receiving or supporting the heat exchanger and / or the condensate collecting device).

A (separate) droplet separator is preferably not provided within an assembly or structural unit forming the heat exchange device (in particular within the housing and / or in / on the frame).

Preferably, the heat exchange device can be flowed through by two fluids which exchange heat, a first fluid preferably being a liquid, in particular (cooling) water, and a second fluid preferably being a (water-containing) gas, in particular (room) air. A heat transfer preferably takes place from the second fluid to the first fluid, whereby the temperature of the second fluid is changed, e.g. B. by min. 5 K or min. 10 K.

Insofar as (above and / or below) functional information is given, this should preferably mean that a corresponding device (e.g. fluid delivery device, in particular blower) and / or a corresponding control device of the heat exchange device or of the air conditioning system is / are provided and configured is / are to ensure the corresponding function.

A (respective) fluid delivery device (e.g. pump and / or blower) for the (respective) fluid can be part of the heat exchange device and / or of the air conditioning system (or air conditioning device) or can be provided externally.

The flow of the second fluid (in particular the air) preferably runs at least substantially horizontally through the heat exchanger or the heat exchange device.

The heat exchanger has in particular structures on which moisture condenses or can condense during operation. The heat exchange device or the heat exchanger is in particular such that water in the second fluid is at least partially or can be separated (by condensation).

Another (alternative and / or further) idea of the invention is that a (compact) heat exchanger is arranged in the heat exchange device and, in particular, no separate droplet separator or condensate separator (which is spaced from the heat exchanger, for example by at least 50 cm) is provided (which For example, condensate drops that are carried along by the fluid flow, in particular the (room) air flow).

Preferably, the heat exchanger itself serves as a droplet separator.

In embodiments, the condensate collecting device, in particular in the form of a condensate pan, can be formed from at least one suitable metal or a metal alloy, for example containing Cu, Fe and / or Al. Stainless steel or aluminum is preferably used. But plastic is also conceivable.

“Reversibly attached or attachable” is to be understood in particular in such a way that the condensate collecting device is secured by at least one holding and / or guiding means, for example comprising at least one (guide) rail, and / or at least one (releasable) fastening means, for example at least one screw and / or at least one plug connection device and / or is connected or connectable to the heat exchange device via at least one hook in such a way that the condensate collecting device can be at least partially, possibly completely removed from the heat exchange device. In particular, no more than 10th or no more than 5 (Detachable) fastening means or fastening devices and / or not more than 10th or no more than 5 Holding and / or guiding means for use.

“Tool-free” is to be understood in particular to mean that the fastening means are selected in such a way that they enable the condensate collecting device to be attached (or at least partially removed) to (from) the heat exchange device either manually or without the use of special tools, such as screwdrivers. Preferably no material connections (e.g. realized by welding and / or gluing) are used.

Optionally, the condensate collecting device can be attached or attached to / in the heat exchange device by hanging it in (via a corresponding hanging device). In preferred embodiments, this attachment / removal takes place without tools and is reversible.

In particular, the combination of a reversibly attachable (exchangeable or removable) fluid collecting device (trough) of a deliberate omission of a (separate) droplet separator offers considerable advantages. By dispensing with a (separate) droplet separator, an installation space (in particular a length) of the heat exchange device can be considerably reduced. As a result, a corresponding fluid collecting device (trough) can be designed to be comparatively small, so that removal or replacement of the same is simple (in particular manual). As a result, the heat exchange device can be simplified in terms of its manufacture and / or in terms of its operation.

The heat exchange device can have a total volume (for example defined by an outer housing) of at least 0.05 m ³ , possibly at least 0.5 m ³ and / or at most 2 m ³ , possibly at most 1 m ³ . The heat exchanger (heat exchanger or an envelope surface thereof) can have a volume of at least 0.04 m ³ , possibly at least 0.4 m ³ and / or at most 1.5 m ³ , possibly at most 0.75 m ³ .

The condensate collecting device can have a (collecting) area of at least 0.1 m ² , possibly at least 0.3 m ² and / or at most 1 m ² , possibly at most 0.6 m ² and / or (collecting) area have at least 50%, preferably at least 90% and / or at most 150%, preferably at most 110% of a projection area of the heat exchanger on at least one, in particular horizontal, plane (in the operating state of the heat exchange device).

In one embodiment, the heat exchange device is configured in such a way that drops which form in the heat exchanger drip downward in the heat exchanger predominantly (in particular due to their own weight and, for example, not, at least not significantly, through an air flow directed downward). This has the advantage that a simple technical solution can be provided.

The condensate, especially the water condensed from the room air to be cooled (the dew) to collect a condensate trap. The condensate collecting device is in particular (in the height direction and / or at least partially) reversibly attached or attachable below the heat exchanger.

In order to collect the condensate in a technically simple manner and to prevent it from being transported in the second fluid, it is advantageous if the condensate formed in the heat exchanger predominantly flow or drip downward in the heat exchanger, in particular flow downward due to its own weight or drops

According to the embodiment, the condensate collecting device is (at least approximately) as long (in the horizontal direction and / or main flow direction) as the heat exchanger (possibly within a tolerance of + and / or - 10% of the length of the heat exchanger).

In one embodiment, the condensate collecting device, in particular the condensate pan, can at least largely be reversibly attached or attached directly (or possibly offset) below the heat exchanger, in particular in such a way that more than 70% by weight or more than 90% by weight or more than 95% by weight of the droplets falling from the heat exchanger land in the condensate trap.

The condensate collecting device, in particular in the form of a condensate pan, can be designed without an opening at least on its base (if appropriate generally), but can also comprise at least one opening (if necessary also on the base).

According to the embodiment, the condensate collecting device, in particular the condensate pan, is designed as an insert. The slide-in unit can be pulled out of the heat exchange device (if necessary manually or without tools) in order to separate the condensate collecting device from the other components of the heat exchange device (or be pushed back into the heat exchange device in order to restore the connection with the other components of the heat exchange device).

In particular, guide rails can be provided which guide the condensate collecting device designed as an insert, in particular as a drawer, and ensure appropriate positioning of the condensate collecting device relative to the heat exchanger within the heat exchanger device.

In one embodiment, the condensate collecting device has an inclination, in particular in such a way that the inclination (at least essentially) runs through the heat exchanger in a direction perpendicular to a fluid flow direction during operation. As a result, any fluid that is collected can be guided in one direction, in particular in the direction of an outlet. The main direction of the inclination of the bottom of the condensate trap preferably runs in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger. The longitudinal direction preferably corresponds to a direction parallel to a main fluid flow direction. A (main) slope can have a gradient of at least 2%, possibly at least 5% and / or at most 20%, possibly at most 10%. In an alternative, the condensate collecting device can have a flat bottom.

In addition, the condensate collecting device can also have (at the bottom) at least one, preferably at least two or exactly two further (secondary) slopes, in particular in order to collect the collected condensate drops and to feed the liquid stream that forms to the outlet. The other slopes can be symmetrical or asymmetrical to each other.

In one embodiment, the condensate collecting device, in particular the condensate pan, has at least or exactly one (possibly closable) outlet which is formed in particular at the deepest point and / or at an edge of the pan. This has the advantage that the condensate collecting device does not have to be emptied, but the condensate can be drained off independently. According to an alternative embodiment, the condensate collecting device can be designed without an outlet.

Collecting the condensate may be understood to mean that the condensate liquid remains in the condensate collecting device at least temporarily, that is to say longer than 1 min, more preferably longer than 10 min, even more preferably longer than 1 h, if necessary until the condensate collecting device in is emptied this remains. Alternatively, the residence time can also be shorter or the condensate liquid (continuously or at intervals) can flow out of the condensate collecting device.

In a further embodiment, the heat exchange device has a length, in particular a length, in the direction of a (main) fluid flow direction (of the second fluid or the air) that is in operation of less than 500 mm, preferably less than 400 mm, more preferably less than 370 mm and / or more than 200 mm. The heat exchange device can optionally be made wider than long.

In a further embodiment, the heat exchange device has a condensate collecting device which forms part of a base assembly of the heat exchange device. The base assembly has in particular guide strips on / in which the condensate trap z. B. can be inserted or removed. The base assembly can optionally be reversibly attached or attachable to the heat exchange device.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger has heat exchange fins, e.g. B. ribbed heat exchange fins.

The heat exchanger can have corresponding guide structures for the first fluid, the second fluid coming into contact with these guide structures when flowing through. A heat transfer is mediated between the first and the second fluid by the corresponding guide structures. These guide structures can in particular have a pipe system, in particular one or more pipes and / or fins and / or panels, in particular with enlarged surfaces.

The guide structures are preferably designed such that the first fluid, in particular the (cooling) water, does not pass the heat exchanger directly, that is to say in particular not in the shortest possible way, but in particular in a spiral shape and / or a snake shape and / or one Snail and / or a zigzag shape.

The above-mentioned object is in particular also achieved by an air conditioning system or an air conditioning device, preferably for cooling air, in particular within a building, which has a heat exchange device (possibly as the only heat exchange device) as described above and below, in particular configured in such a way that Most of the drops that form in the heat exchanger drip downwards in the heat exchanger (itself), in particular independently drip downwards.

In one embodiment of the air conditioning system or air conditioning device, there is no (separate) drop separator for separating water drops from the first fluid. As a result, an appropriately compact air conditioner can be provided. In particular, the air conditioning system (air conditioning device) does not require any further structures in order to separate a condensate from the second fluid and to separate it from the remaining fluid components of the second fluid.

The air conditioning system (air conditioning device) is preferably configured such that the condensate collecting device, in particular the condensate pan, is reversibly removable from the air conditioning system (air conditioning device) independently of the other elements of the heat exchange device or at least independently of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchange device can preferably be arranged or arranged in the air conditioning system (air conditioning device) in such a way that the condensate collecting device is accessible, in particular from the outside, that is to say can be attached reversibly without having to remove the heat exchange device.

The condensate pan (generally: collecting device) can preferably be removed without dismantling the heat exchanger or the other components of the heat exchange device. If the heat exchanger is not permanently connected to the condensate tray (general: collecting device), but e.g. is attached to the housing of the air conditioning unit, it can remain in the air conditioning unit while the condensate pan (general: collecting device) is removed.

The air conditioning system or air conditioning device preferably comprises at least one heat pump, possibly comprising at least one compressor and / or at least one condenser.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for operating an air conditioning system (air conditioning device) or a heat exchange device, as described above, preferably for cooling air, in particular within a building, the heat exchange device being flowed through by a first fluid, in which case one Heat exchanger Heat exchange takes place with a second fluid, so that condensate (drops) is (are) formed on the heat exchanger, which preferably flows down or drips off at least as far as possible (in particular independently or by its own weight) and the dripping drops are collected in the condensate collecting device will.

The second fluid preferably flows through the heat exchange device with at least 0.5 m / s, more preferably with at least 0.7 m / s, further preferably with at least 0.8 m / s and / or with less than 3 m / s, if appropriate at less than 2 m / s or less than 1 m / s. In this way, it can be achieved in a simple manner that the condensate formed in the heat exchanger is no longer torn, but can flow down or drip down. The drops can remain on guide elements and grow until they fall / flow due to their own weight.

The air conditioning system (in particular air conditioning device) or the heat exchange device is operated in particular in such a way, in particular by the above Described choice of a corresponding, in particular low, fluid flow such that at least 70% by weight or at least 80% by weight or at least% by weight of the condensate or drops formed drips down in the manner described above.

In a further embodiment, the condensate collected in the condensate collecting device is discharged from the condensate collecting device.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for cleaning a heat exchange device (of the above type) or an air conditioning system or air conditioning device (of the above type), the condensate collecting device being removed for cleaning, cleaned and, if necessary, reintroduced or exchanged . The condensate trap can be cleaned externally if necessary. For this purpose, the condensate collecting device can be at least partially removed from the heat exchange device. The (or another) condensate trap can then be reintroduced into the heat exchange device and connected to the heat exchange device.

Further embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Wärmetauscheinrichtung;
• 2a eine erfindungsgemäße Wärmetauscheinrichtung mit Bodenbaugruppe in Seitenansicht;
• 2b eine erfindungsgemäße Wärmetauscheinrichtung mit Bodenbaugruppe in Frontansicht;
• 2c eine erfindungsgemäße Wärmetauscheinrichtung mit Bodenbaugruppe in Draufsicht;
• 3 eine Bodenbaugruppe, mit Kondensatwanne als Einschub ausgebildet;
• 4 eine Ausschnittdarstellung der Wärmetauscheinrichtung in Draufsicht; und
• 5 eine Ausschnittdarstellung der Wärmetauscheinrichtung von unten.

The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment which is explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Here show:

• 1 a perspective view of a heat exchange device according to the invention;
• 2a an inventive heat exchange device with floor assembly in side view;
• 2 B a heat exchange device with floor assembly in front view;
• 2c a heat exchange device with floor assembly in plan view;
• 3rd a floor assembly, designed with a condensate tray as an insert;
• 4th a sectional view of the heat exchange device in plan view; and
• 5 a sectional view of the heat exchange device from below.

In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for the same and equivalent parts.

1 shows a heat exchange device according to the invention 1 . Coolant is in the heat exchange device 1 through a coolant inlet 10th initiated and through a coolant outlet 30th diverted. From the coolant inlet 10th the coolant passes through coolant supply lines 20a in cooling fins 60 a heat exchanger or heat exchanger 300 and is about coolant drains 20b transported away. The heat exchange device becomes simultaneous 1 and thus the heat exchanger 300 from an air flow 200 or another gas mixture that is to be cooled. Between the air flowing through 200 and the coolant is over the surfaces of the cooling fins 60 exchanges heat, ie the air in the air flow 200 is cooled and the coolant is heated. Coolant inlet 10th and coolant outlet 30th can also be interchanged, e.g. B. the reference number 10th there is a coolant outlet.

In order to increase the surface of the interaction, the cooling fins have 60 as well as a front wall 80 Perforations 90 on. By cooling the air, it becomes in the air flow 200 carried water vapor also cooled, causing condensation on the cooling fins 60 starts and drops of water are formed. If a critical weight of the drops is exceeded, the cooling fins run down 60 down to where they're in a condensate pan 50 that in a corresponding floor pan 100 is arranged to be collected. In this condensate pan 50 the water drops are picked up accordingly and can be an outlet 110 flow and if necessary from the heat exchange device 1 be derived.

2nd shows a heat exchange device according to the invention 1 in side view ( 2a) , front view ( 2 B) and in top view ( 2c ). The coolant inlet 10th is above the coolant outlet 30th arranged. The cooling fins 60 can be flushed through in a co-current or counter-current version. The arrangement of the coolant inlet and outlet 10th , 30th at the front allows an easy to implement connection when integrating the heat exchange device 1 in an appropriate cooling system.

The arrangement of the floor assembly 100 with a condensate tray designed as an insert 50 is located below the cooling fins, so that the water drops created and condensed by condensation into the condensate pan 50 drain or drain. In 2c are a major direction of inclination 140a and two side slopes 140b the condensate pan 50 illustrated by corresponding arrows. The directions of inclination serve to drain and collect the collected water 110 and to prevent a backflow of liquid in the condensate pan.

3rd shows the floor assembly 100 , which is the condensate tray designed as an insert 50 contains. The floor assembly is on the heat exchange device 1 (especially reversible) mounted. For the reversible attachment or removal of the condensate tray 50 is designed as a slide-in unit and can be removed from the base assembly 100 pulled out or pushed back in accordingly. The floor assembly 100 will over last 120 connected to the heat exchange device. This may require the use of tools or other devices, but may possibly be done without tools, in particular via a pure insertion mechanism or plug mechanism. Cross struts 170 stiffen the structure of the floor assembly. These cross braces 170 hold sidewalls 150 accordingly at a distance from each other.

In the 3-5 is shown as the condensate pan 50 from the floor assembly 100 can be pulled out or inserted accordingly. The 3rd shows the condensate pan 50 in a fully inserted condition. In this state it is with the heat exchange device 1 (completely) connected and can collect liquid accordingly. The 4th and 5 show one partially in the floor assembly 100 extended / inserted condensate tray 50 . If the condensate pan 50 Guide rails can be pulled out / pushed in from the base assembly 130 serve the sliding movement of the drawer-like condensate tray 50 to convey. In this embodiment, this is done accordingly via guide strips 180 that in the guide rails 130 slide. The guide rails 130 are part of the floor assembly 100 while the guide rails 180 Part of the condensate tray designed as an insert 50 are.

At this point, it should be pointed out that all the parts described above, viewed on their own and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Modifications to this are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

Reference symbol list

1

Heat exchange device

10th

Coolant inlet (alternatively: coolant outlet)

20a

Coolant supply

20b

Coolant drainage

30th

Coolant outlet (alternatively: coolant inlet)

50

Condensate pan

60

Cooling fins

70

Rear wall of the heat exchange device

80

Front wall of the heat exchange device

90

perforation

100

Floor assembly

110

Outlet

120

strip

130

Guide rail

140

Direction of inclination

140a

Main slope direction

140b

Side slope direction

150

Side wall

170

Cross strut

180

Guide bar

200

Air flow

300

Heat exchanger

Claims (14)

Heat exchange device (1) for an air conditioner, comprising: a. a heat exchanger (300) for the heat exchange between two fluids, in particular between water and air, b. a condensate collecting device, in particular a condensate tray (50), which is arranged and designed such that condensate formed on the heat exchanger (300) can be collected on the condensate collecting device (50), the condensate collecting device (50) being reversibly attached or attachable within the heat exchange device (1) . Heat exchange device (1) after Claim 1 , configured such that drops formed in the heat exchanger (300) mainly drip down. Heat exchange device (1) after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the condensate collecting device (50) is designed as an insert. Heat exchange device (1) after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the condensate collecting device (50) has an inclination (140). Heat exchange device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate collecting device (50) has an outlet (110). Heat exchange device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchange device (1) has a length of less than 500 mm, preferably less than 400 mm, more preferably less than 370 mm. Heat exchange device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the condensate collecting device (50) forms part of a base assembly (100) of the heat exchange device (6). Air conditioning system comprising a heat exchange device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, configured such that drops formed in the heat exchanger (300) mostly drip downward in the heat exchanger (300), in particular independently drip downward. Climate system after Claim 8 , wherein there is no separate droplet separator for separating droplets of water from the first fluid. Climate system according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 , configured in such a way that the condensate collecting device, in particular the condensate pan (50), can be removed reversibly from the air conditioning system independently of the other elements of the heat exchange device (1) or at least independently of the heat exchanger (300). Method for operating a heat exchange device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 and / or a climate system according to one of the Claims 8 to 10th wherein a first fluid flows through the heat exchange device (1), heat exchange with a second fluid (200) taking place on the heat exchanger (300), condensate being formed on the heat exchanger (300), the condensate in the condensate collecting device, in particular the Condensate pan (50) is collected. Method for operating a climate system according to Claim 11 , wherein the first and / or second fluid flows through the heat exchanger (1) at a flow rate of less than 3 m / s, preferably less than 2 m / s, even more preferably less than 1 m / s. Method for operating a climate system according to Claim 11 or 12th , wherein the condensate collected in the condensate pan (50) is discharged from the condensate collecting device (50). Method for cleaning a heat exchange device according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 or a climate system according to one of the Claims 8 to 10th , wherein the condensate collecting device (50) is removed for cleaning, cleaned and reinserted.

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