EP0244435B1 - Multiple energy generator with integrated thermal cycle - Google Patents

Abstract

All-purpose multiple energy generator forming motor compressor with integrated thermal cycle and contained in a modular closed housing, driven by exploiting two heat sources having different temperatures acting on said housing (1) which comprises in combination an engine (4) with pistons driving a bank of multi-compressors (5) arranged orthogonally to the plan of said engine (4), and driven by a cam (12), integrally with a shaft (11) connected to the engine (5) via rods (9), and comprising in adition two cams (12 to 12b) driving the reinjection pistons (6) which are parallel to the plan of the compressors and connected to a thermal transfer capacity (3) with fluid loops (C1, C2, C3), including the evaporator (20) of the loop (C1) in intimate contact with a thermal accumulation material (20) and the envelope (21) partially contained in the closed house (1) and traversed by the drive fluide which is forced to circulate by means of a fly wheel (14) integral with the shaft (11), the material providing for an exhaust acceleration through a conduit (8A) traversing a material (8b) contained in (8c), it being understood that the pistons (6) send the condensed fluid back to the boiler (27) through the conduits (8) and that the engine (4) comprises a unique rotary distribution (7A) and exhaust (8) conduits connected by the chain (9A) to the shaft and cinematically interconnected (9C). The closed housing further comprises a lick recovery device (15, 16, 17) connected to a capacity for balancing the pressures (18) and for their reinjection into the thermal circuit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for improving energy generators with multiple functions driven by the combined application of heat sources of different temperatures acting on a sealed and motive condensing capacity.

It is mainly intended for the application for domestic and industrial purposes of combined thermal and mechanical energies, generated from motor-compressor devices with integrated thermal cycle contained in a sealed manner in closed and modular enclosures.

Known thermodynamic cycle devices generate recoverable mechanical energy on a motor axis, but do not exploit the heat contained in the thermal circuit after the expansion of the volatile motor fluid, which must be evacuated through condensers suitable for this purpose, does not not having multi-compressor and mechanical assemblies.

In addition, they mainly consist of a motor fluid loop acting on a motor connected to a condenser by pressure lines and external pipes which develop random physical phenomena linked to their realization, which have an impact on the general efficiency.

French patent No. 2,462,584 did not make it possible, by its piston, a single engine, to obtain a set of several offset compressors, a set of several engine pistons, a block with reinjection cylinder and a distributor device with rotary elements increasing the yields.

The aim of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the drawbacks mentioned above and to provide a multifunctional device of modular type which exploits and combines for all purposes the said thermal and mechanical energies generated from a thermal motor-compressor group and its constituent elements integrally contained in a closed enclosure and connected in leaktight manner to at least one fluidic multi-stage heat transfer loop forming a heat pump with successive stages partially contained in said closed enclosure forming a set of sealed and motive capacity of modular condensation for all purposes, containing at least one motor-compressor group forming at least.

. (A) a compression assembly with at least three offset compressors, of which (a) the inlet is connected to at least one multi-stage steam source, one of the elements being at least partially contained in the engine thermal circuit and of which (b ) the exhaust is connected to at least one multi-stage condensing capacity forming, in combination with the evaporation capacity, a heat transfer device with reversible cycle heat pump, (B) an engine assembly with at least three engine pistons d driving said compression assembly.

According to other characteristics, the engine assembly and the compression assembly each comprise three cylinders with sliding pistons, the engine pistons mounted in parallel forming a reference plane, being arranged orthogonally to the compression plane actuated by at least one cam suitably profiled, mounted on an axis forming a crankshaft driven by the engine pistons acting in combination and integral with a flywheel constituting a means of circulation of the working fluid in the sealed enclosure, of acceleration of the escape of this fluid to through a conduit provided for this purpose, connected to the axis of rotation of said flywheel:

The engine block assembly has at least three cylinders in which the expansion of the working fluid occurs, is tightly connected by intake and exhaust ducts respectively to a source of steam forming a pressure boiler and to the duct of acceleration of the exhaust connected to the flywheel and penetrating at least partially into a reinjection circuit containing the condensed fluid returned to the said boiler under the action of a set of three cylinders and reinjection pistons driven by at least an eccentric mounted on the axis of said crankshaft:

The plane of the said three reinjection cylinders is parallel to the plane of the said three compressor cylinders and orthogonal to the axis of the said crankshaft and to the plane containing the said three engine pistons.

A distribution device with rotary elements is provided and it consists of an intake drawer designed to successively supply the three mopeds according to a very precise chronology, and an exhaust drawer designed to allow the evacuation of the expanded fluid. in the said engine cylinders, also following a well-defined chronology.

The said drawers are set in motion by the crankshaft;

According to an advantageous embodiment, these drawers are driven by a chain connected to the axis of said crankshaft which acts on one of the drawers, which drives another drawer, such an embodiment allowing access to the "setting" of the distribution. .

According to an advantageous embodiment, the said intake and exhaust drawers are in intimate contact at the intake and exhaust ports, with capsules of suitable shape, perforated in their center to allow free passage of the working fluid, which exerts on the walls of said capsules opposite the walls in intimate contact with said drawers, a thrust which is added to an elastic means ensuring the permanence of said intimate contact.

All of the above constituent elements are contained in a sealed casing forming the motor and condensation capacity in which the working fluid circulates.

The engine pistons on which the pressure of the condensing working fluid is exerted in a so-called sealed condensing capacity produce a constant pressure opposing the expansion of the working fluid in the driving cylinders.

According to other characteristics the device thermal motor compressor forming a sealed condensing drive capacity described according to the invention, includes various partially deformable sealed capacities on demand for recovering various vapor leaks and their reinjection on demand through various sealed conduits, by reinjection pistons positioned in a plane orthogonal to the crankshaft axis and driven by a cam integral with said crankshaft axis.

It will be noted that the deformable part of each vapor leakage recovery capacity forms a sealed enclosure and of condensation of these vapor leaks and of pressure balancing between the pressure contained in said enclosure which is that of the vapors at least partially condensed and the pressure from the external environment in intimate contact with said enclosure.

• que lesdites capacités étanches de récupération des fuites de vapeur sont préférentiellement réalisées pour récupérer les fuites de vapeur au niveau des pistons compresseurs et de la traversée du carter de la capacité motrice et étanche de condensation par l'arbre du vilebrequin,
• qu'elles sont suivant un mode avantageux de réalisation et de façon étanche solidaires du corps des cylindres des dits pistons compresseurs, ainsi
• que du dit carter et constituées d'au moins deux parois latérales traversées orthogonalement selon l'application, soit par l'axe d'un piston compresseur ou autres, soit par l'arbre du vilebrequin et ce de façon la plus étanche possible étant bien entendu comme le comprendra fort bien l'homme de métier que, concernant la seconde application et suivant un mode de réalisation avantageux, les parois latérales de la dite capacité de récupération des fuites de vapeur issues de l'intérieur de la capacité motrice et étanche de condensation, sont constituées de bagues d'étanchéité tournantes du type de celle que l'on trouve habituellement dans le commerce montées sans jeu sur le dit arbre de vilebrequin et espacées d'une distance adaptée permettant une rotation dans les meilleures conditions du dit arbre vilebrequin.

In the same sense, we note:

• that said sealed vapor leakage recovery capacities are preferably carried out to recover vapor leakage at the level of the compressor pistons and the passage through the crankcase of the sealed and sealed condensing capacity by the crankshaft,
• they are according to an advantageous embodiment and sealingly integral with the body of the cylinders of said compressor pistons, thus
• as said housing and made up of at least two lateral walls crossed orthogonally according to the application, either by the axis of a compressor piston or the like, or by the crankshaft and this in the most leaktight manner possible, being understood as will be well understood by those skilled in the art that, concerning the second application and according to an advantageous embodiment, the side walls of said capacity for recovering steam leaks coming from inside the motor and sealed capacity of condensation, are made up of rotating sealing rings of the type usually found on the market, mounted without play on the said crankshaft and spaced apart by a suitable distance allowing rotation under the best conditions of the said crankshaft .

The pressure of the expanded working fluid in the expansion chambers being very slightly higher than the pressure of the condensed fluid, thrust springs or other equivalent elastic devices are generally necessary to ensure the evacuation of the working fluid. However, the device according to the present invention by the judicious combination of three cylinders and engine pistons makes it unnecessary to use such devices because it ensures the evacuation of the working fluid by the effect of rotation of the combined flywheel.

Furthermore, in known devices, the distribution of the working fluid in the said expansion chambers requires elements with compression or return springs and other mechanical connection elements slaved to the working piston, which reduces the efficiency in a way not negligible.

The device according to the invention overcomes this drawback thanks to the arrangement and the judicious use of the respective position of the engine pistons, the cylinders and the drawers combined with the judicious exploitation of the pressure of the condensed fluid contained in the sealed capacity. .

It should also be noted that due to the compression of a gas, the torque of the motors of existing devices is not constant.

Now it turns out that the device according to the present invention also eliminates this drawback thanks to the rational use of a cam acting simultaneously on the three compressor pistons, the profile of this cam being defined and chosen as a function of the fluid to be compressed, of the expansion of the fluid existing in the expansion chambers so that the speed of movement of said compressor pistons being inversely proportional to the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid on these pistons, allows optimization of the start-up and overall efficiency.

It can then be envisaged that several cams can be associated and arranged in such a way that each can act simultaneously on three pistons in the case of operations or applications justifying several stages of compression. We will cite, for example, the case of freezing or demineralization of seawater by freezing.

It has already been proposed (in French patent n ° 2,462,584) to also use a cam allowing the displacement of only one compressor piston by displacement of this cam, which is equivalent to saying that at a compression ratio d 'a given fluid corresponds to only one piston, which excludes good industrial operation.

However, the device according to the invention overcomes this drawback by causing the simultaneous driving of three pistons by a judiciously profiled cam, each piston being in contact with a well-defined portion of the profile of this cam thus constituting a balanced assembly.

It turns out that the motor-compressor described in the French patent mentioned above comprises a reinjection pump also actuated by the cam in question, which limits the efficiency, all the more so since this reinjection takes place at the end of the travel. the cam, when the compression ratio tends to its maximum.

However, the device according to the invention also obviates this drawback because it allows the reinjection of the condensed fluid during the phase of the start of compression when the compression rate is minimum and the speed of movement of the compressor piston is at maximum. In addition, the device according to the invention is designed so that the three planned reinjection pistons are driven simultaneously by the action of a suitably profiled cam mounted on the axis of the crankshaft which has been discussed above.

It will also be noted that in known devices the fluid of the engine cycle condenses in the condenser which removes the calories: a reinjection pump then returns it directly in the high temperature starting boiler where it rises in temperature for a new cycle.

However, the rise in temperature of the reinjected fluid requires a calorific contribution "Q" supplied by the hot source.

The device according to the present invention is designed in such a way that the condensed fluid is sucked in and then discharged by the reinjection pistons towards the starting boiler after having possibly previously, at least partially recovered, the heat produced at the compressor cylinders by the compression of the fluid from the heat pump cycle then, necessarily at least partially that evacuated from the exhaust of the expansion chambers of the engine pistons.

The quantity "Q" is thus significantly reduced, which further improves the overall yield and reduces the cost of the hot source, in particular in the case where it is constituted by solar panels.

It will be noted that, in accordance with the known devices forming a heat pump and according to an advantageous embodiment of said waterproof multi-stage heat transfer capacity which has just been described, the multi-stage compression assembly transferred on demand, the heat of the fluid from the interior of the sealed and motive condensing capacity towards the external medium or vice versa, by inversion of the thermal cycle, from the external medium towards the interior of said capacity or any other combination of cycles.

In addition, the cam-compressor assembly forming the compression assembly is exchangeable, which makes it possible, among other things, to meet all needs, to use any type of product to be compressed, as well as to ensure in combination with a compression assembly. equivalent mounted externally on the axis or any other receiver performing multiple and combined functions.

It will be recalled that the motive and sealed condensing capacity contains at least one evaporator forming an element of the multi-stage sealed thermal transfer capacity associated in a sealed manner at least partially with a compression assembly according to the invention which at least partially dissipates the heat. expanded working fluid, by successive compressions and successive temperature rises through the multi-stage heat transfer capacity designed and profiled on demand and according to needs;

• Figure 1 représente une vue de face en coupe partielle de l'ensemble du dispositif formant enceinte close et capacité étanche et motrice de condensation avec boucle fluidique multi-étagée de transfert thermique, et un ensemble de compression monté à titre d'exemple non limitatif sur l'arbre de force tournant;
• figure 2 représente une vue en coupe partielle d'une variante du dispositif enceinte close avec éléments constitutifs contenus respectivement dans leurs capacités étanches, à une échelle différente;
• figure 3 représente à une échelle différente une vue de dessus en coupe partielle de la figure 2;
• figure 4 représente une coupe latérale partielle à une autre échelle montrant plus particulièrement l'ensemble de compression et la position relative des pistons compresseurs et de réinjection par rapport aux pistons moteurs.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which will follow with regard to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples in which the:

• FIG. 1 represents a front view in partial section of the whole of the device forming a closed enclosure and sealed and motive condensing capacity with multi-stage fluid transfer thermal loop, and a compression assembly mounted by way of nonlimiting example on the rotating force shaft;
• 2 shows a partial sectional view of a variant of the closed enclosure device with constituent elements contained respectively in their sealed capacities, on a different scale;
• 3 shows on a different scale a top view in partial section of Figure 2;
• 4 shows a partial side section on another scale showing more particularly the compression assembly and the relative position of the compressor pistons and reinjection with respect to the engine pistons.

• un ensemble formant bloc à cylindres moteurs 4 à au moins trois pistons moteurs 4A, 4B, 4C d'entraînement d'un ensemble formant bloc à cylindres de compression 5 à au moins trois pistons de compression 5A, 5B, 5C, dont les axes sont judicieusement situés dans un plan orthogonal à celui contenant les axes des pistons moteurs montés en parallèle et formant plan de référence.
• un bloc à cylindres de réinjection 6 à au moins trois pistons de réinjection 6A, 6B, 6C, dont les axes sont situés dans un plan orthogonal à celui contenant les axes des pistons moteurs et décalés angulairement par rapport aux axes de compresseurs.
• un dispositif de distribution 7 à éléments rotatifs comprenant un conduit d'admission unique 7A les trois pistons moteurs.
• un conduit d'échappement unique 8 pour les trois pistons moteurs, conduit prolongé par une tubulure d'évacuation 8A, avec matériau d'accumulation calorifique 8B, contenu de façon étanche dans une enceinte 8C, et une tubulure 8D, vers un volant de circulation du fluide 14, lesdits conduits communiquant avec les pistons moteurs par les orifices 4D-4E.

Referring to these drawings, the device according to the invention comprises a closed enclosure of modular type 1 forming a sealed and driving capacity with condensing volume 2, connected in leaktight manner by conduits to at least one multi-stage transfer fluid loop forming reversible cycle heat pump with successive stages, partially contained by at least one of its constituent elements in at least one of the capacities forming said closed enclosure 1, and forming at least partial separation with the volume of condensation 2, the thermal effects of which external medium acting on it intermittently exert volatile working fluid which it contains a thrust of opposition forming back pressure on the constituent elements of the thermal motor-compressor group contained in a sealed manner in at least one capacity of the enclosure comprising in combination:

• a cylinder block assembly 4 with at least three piston pistons 4A, 4B, 4C for driving a compression cylinder block assembly 5 with at least three compression pistons 5A, 5B, 5C, the axes of which are judiciously located in a plane orthogonal to that containing the axes of the engine pistons mounted in parallel and forming a reference plane.
• a block of reinjection cylinders 6 with at least three reinjection pistons 6A, 6B, 6C, the axes of which are situated in a plane orthogonal to that containing the axes of the driving pistons and angularly offset with respect to the axes of the compressors.
• a distribution device 7 with rotary elements comprising a single intake duct 7A the three engine pistons.
• a single exhaust duct 8 for the three engine pistons, duct extended by an exhaust pipe 8A, with heat storage material 8B, contained in a sealed manner in an enclosure 8C, and a pipe 8D, towards a circulation wheel fluid 14, said conduits communicating with the engine pistons through the orifices 4D-4E.

• un dispositif d'entraînement en rotation 9 d'un arbre 11, avec éventuellement un dispositif complémentaire de réinjection 6', des fuites de vapeur avec pistons 6D, 6E, 6F.
• au moins un dispositif formant récupération des dites fuites par équilibrage des pressions 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
• un dispositif de mise en mouvement des conduits 7A, 8, constitué d'une chaîne 9A reliée d'une part à un galet 9B de régulation de la vitesse de rotation desdits conduits, solidaire de l'arbre 11, d'autre part à au moins un desdits conduits, lequel entraîne l'autre par la cinématique 9C.

This tube 8A constitutes a heat recovery device in the sense that it absorbs and optionally stores in the material or fluid 8B the heat evacuated at the cylinder exhaust through 8A and returns it to the condensed working fluid circulating against the current in the conduits 8E which pass through 8B before reinjection into the starting boiler, and after aspiration by the reinjection pistons 6, which raises the temperature of said condensed fluid with a tendency to reach the temperature and therefore the pressure of the working fluid contained in the starting boiler.

• a device 9 for driving a shaft 11 in rotation, with optionally a complementary reinjection device 6 ′, steam leaks with pistons 6D, 6E, 6F.
• at least one device forming recovery of said leaks by balancing the pressures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
• a device for moving the conduits 7A, 8, consisting of a chain 9A connected on the one hand to a roller 9B for regulating the speed of rotation of the said conduits, secured to the shaft 11, on the other hand to at at least one of said conduits, which drives the other by the kinematics 9C.

• d'un côté, d'une part, une came 12 profilée en fonction des taux de compression désirés et agissant simultanément sur les trois pistons- compresseurs se trouvant chacun à une phase précise de compression, donc à une position déterminée dans leur cylindre, d'autre part, un excentrique 12A, agissant simultanément sur les pistons de réinjection des fuites, chacun se trouvant positionné de façon précise par rapport aux pistons moteurs et aux pistons de compression, et selon le type de fuite à réinjecter.
• d'un autre côté, d'une part excentrique 12B agissant simultanément sur les trois pistons de réinjection du fluide moteur condensé, chacun se trouvant positionné de façon précise par rapport aux pistons moteurs et aux pistons de compression, et dans son cylindre de telle sorte et suivant un mode avantageux de réalisation, que la réinjection dudit fluide moteur condensé, dans le bouilleur de départ s'effectue par successions de phases, d'autre part, un volant d'inertie à ailettes 14, destiné principalement au transfert du gaz de l'échappement vers la capacité de condensation 2, à travers le conduit 8A, 8D.

This shaft 11 actuated by the engine pistons comprises

• on the one hand, on the one hand, a cam 12 profiled as a function of the desired compression ratios and acting simultaneously on the three piston-compressors each located at a precise phase of compression, therefore at a determined position in their cylinder, d on the other hand, an eccentric 12A, acting simultaneously on the leakage reinjection pistons, each being positioned precisely with respect to the engine pistons and the compression pistons, and according to the type of leak to be reinjected.
• on the other hand, on the one hand eccentric 12B acting simultaneously on the three pistons for reinjection of the condensed working fluid, each being positioned precisely with respect to the driving pistons and the compression pistons, and in its cylinder so and according to an advantageous embodiment, that the reinjection of said condensed working fluid into the starting boiler takes place by successive phases, on the other hand, a flywheel with fins 14, intended mainly for the transfer of gas from the exhaust to the condensing capacity 2, through the conduit 8A, 8D.

The axes of displacement of the reinjection pistons and of the compression pistons lying in parallel planes are arranged with a judicious offset with respect to each other so that each cycle, the reinjection takes place in the phases of least work of . compression and maximum displacement speed of the pistons. Depending on the type of compression to be carried out, for example high compression rates, at least one cam is provided per compression assembly.

On request, at least one end 11A of the crankshaft 11 passes through at least one wall 1A of the closed enclosure 1 in leaktight manner.

To achieve this objective, and according to a preferred embodiment, the shaft 11 comprises at least two sealing rings of the rotating type 15, 16, forming leaktight side walls with a capacity for recovering leaks 17, they are mounted without play on the shaft 11 and in the wall 1A - or any other device tightly connected to said wall 1A -allowing the free rotation of said shaft 11.

Said rings 15, 16 are positioned in planes orthogonal to the axis of the shaft 11, and separated by a suitable distance in order to receive the leaks in question in leaktight manner.

The capacity 17 is connected by at least one sealed conduit 18, to a capacity 19 deformable by pressure balancing. The fluid leaks having passed through the ring 15 forming a sealing wall condense and are reinjected on demand by the piston 6D (in example) through the conduits 29 and 30 in the engine thermal circuit. The deformable capacity 19 located outside the closed enclosure 1, forming a device for balancing the pressures with the external environment preventing any new leakage of fluid through the sealing ring 16 forming a sealed side wall.

It will be noted that, depending on the applications and the degree of sealing sought, several rings forming successive sealing walls will be mounted in combination forming successive leak recovery capacities 17, 17A, 17B, (not shown in the drawings), each of between them then being and according to an advantageous embodiment connected in leaktight manner to a deformable capacity for balancing pressures 19, 19A, 19B, by sealed conduits 18, 18A, 18B, each contained in a surrounding medium exerting on each of it a clean opposition pressure.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the thermal transfer fluid loops contain a volatile refrigerant fluid in circulation under the action of the compression pistons 5A, 5B, 5C, each being at a precise compression phase given by the profile of the cam 12, forming a multi-stage heat transfer heat pump between the evaporator 20 and the condenser contained in the thermal evacuation stage 3C, successively through the fluidic loops C1, C2, C3, each of the pistons 5A, .5B, 5C providing work equivalent to the lowest possible compression ratio in order to optimize the coefficient of performance, respectively connected to the corresponding fluidic loops, preferably consisting of at least one evaporator, a condenser, a holder (possibly an oil separator) and conduits tight connections of these constituent elements to each other partially contained in capacities 21, 3A, 3B, 3C with material to, or thermal storage fluid 22A.

It will be noted that the closed enclosure 1 contains the evaporator 20, an element constituting the multi-stage heat transfer capacity 3, which can operate as a condenser by reversing the thermal cycle using a four-way valve (not shown). on the sins), as in the case of known heat pump devices, it being specified that this evaporator 20 is placed in a sealed envelope 21, comprising a material or other product 22, intended to absorb the calories of the fluid which crosses through conduits 21A, and optionally another means of communication E6, forming inertia and storage capacity, as well as a regulator of heat dissipation linked to the evaporation temperature of the fluid circulating in said evaporator 20 , or liquefaction in the condenser 20A, contained in the capacity 3A with material or fluid of identical accumulation 22A.

Capacities 3A, 3B, 3C with material 22A, integrating on demand and depending on the applications, the physical phenomena linked to said evaporation or liquefaction condensation temperatures of the fluids circulating in the respective fluid loops.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, it will also be noted that, as shown in FIG. 2 and according to another advantageous industrial embodiment, the sealed enclosure 1, 2 is made up of various capacities forming sealed volumes GHJ K, containing at least partially an element constituting the thermal motor-compressor group, said volumes being separated on demand by watertight bulkheads E1, E3, each comprising at least one device for recovering and reinjecting leaks E2, E4 of the type described above (15 , 16, 17, 18, 19) crossed on demand by one of said constituent elements such as the motor axis 11.

Said capacities of type E2, E4 being positioned on demand anywhere in the device according to the invention in order to isolate as required, in particular lubrication, any functional element or constituent assembly forming the motor-compressor group.

The combination of these various constituent assemblies judiciously contained in said sealed volumes juxtaposed with each other in an adapted manner, being a characteristic of the modular aspect of said closed enclosure 1.

Thus under the effect of the flywheel with fins 14, the volatile fluid passes through (arrows F.1.) In forced circulation, the evaporator 20 which is discussed above contained in the box 21 containing the material or fluid storage 22 to which it releases its calories and returns to the flywheel (arrows F.2) through the pipes 23 provided for this purpose forming turbulence.

It will also be noted that the evacuation of the gas coming from the engine cylinders has a pressure very close to that of the condensing capacity 2 almost completely eliminates the need for gas expansion in said condensing capacity 2 forming volume J, which promotes a good efficiency thanks to the action of said flywheel 14 with fins which directly evacuates the engine exhaust fluid in said sealed motor-compressor volume J, without this fluid being channeled through a conduit outside the closed enclosure 1, 2.

This version of the heat transfer capacity 3 given by way of nonlimiting example may however be adapted for other specific applications, which may justify the use of several different heat transfer fluids, for example a refrigerant loop operating as an evacuator the two others operating in cold production.

For this purpose, sealing must also be ensured between the various fluidic loops and the engine thermal circuit. According to a preferred embodiment, each compressor piston will include a leakage recovery device directly inspired by the leakage recovery device 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 described above, possibly with a capacity containing a lubricating oil which will be recovered by a oil separator and reinjected by a reinjection piston 6.

It will be noted that, just as for the reinjection pistons, the compressor pistons are provided with various elastic means allowing permanent contact with the different cams, judiciously combined with the functional exploitation of the pressures of the fluids contained in the thermal circuits and fluidic loops. acting on said compressor pistons in order to provide, in combination with the profiled cams, operation of the device at constant torque.

It will also be noted that with the aim of minimizing leaks and friction between the pistons and their respective cylinders, said pistons comprise, according to an advantageous embodiment, a sealed and deformable capsule 24 under the effect of a volatile fluid contained tightly in the said capsule 24, the pressure of which varies as a function of the thermal environment surrounding said piston so that it exerts a thrust on the walls of said capsule acting by deformation on the segments 25 ensuring self-regulation of friction and taking up of wear , the conduits 7A and 8 being provided with capsules 25A whose contact surface is adapted to avoid excessive friction and mounted in the upper parts of the engine cylinders as shown in Figures 1-2-3-4.

It will be noted in summary of the description which has just been made of the invention that all the physical and thermal phenomena linked to the behavior of the working fluid in circulation in the thermal circuit in its phase of condensation then of reinjection as well as the various paths traveled take place inside a closed modular enclosure 1, forming capacities integrating all the different constituent elements comprising at least one motor-compressor group with at least three engine cylinders 4A, 4B, 4C with distribution device 7A and exhaust 8, for forced circulation of the working fluid by flywheel 14, and heat absorption duct 8A passing through a material or other suitable product 8B, for the purpose of restoring the absorbed heat, to the condensed working fluid returning to the boiler 27 , a compression assembly with at least three pistons 5A, 5B, 5C positioned in a plane orthogonal to that of the engine pistons, and a other leak recovery devices 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, it being specified that the compression pistons are tightly connected to the elements of a multi-stage heat transfer fluid loop 3 forming a heat pump at least partially contained by an element 20 forming an evaporator in the closed enclosure 1, 2, the reinjection pistons 6A, 6B, 6C, being connected on demand and in leaktight manner by conduit 28 to the boiler 27 of the working fluid, connected by conduit 28A passing through 4 to the distributor device 7A, while the leakage reinjection pistons 6D, 6E, 6F are connected on demand to the various thermal circuits aspirating by sealed conduits 29, possibly 30, 31, then compressing through the sealed conduits 32, 33, 34 the various leaks of fluid and others.

Such a closed enclosure 1, 2 forming motor capacity and condensation extended by a multi-stage heat transfer capacity, constitutes an absolutely sealed and modular assembly which can operate according to the needs of mono-fluid, bi-fluid by the exploitation of any known heat source and provide an advantageous combination of thermal and mechanical effects available for all purposes respectively from capacity 3 and the force shaft 11A. The combination of several devices according to the invention providing, on request, an assembly for optimal exploitation of thermal energy by cascade effect, each device operating by at least partial exploitation of the heat of the fluid contained in the preceding device. .

• a) la réalisation d'une capacité étanche et motrice de condensation formant digesteur multi- fonctionnel à cycle thermodynamique intégré, générateur simultanément d'une énergie thermique distribuée à travers la capacité multi-étagée 3 dont la judicieuse répartition des éléments constitutifs permettra une exploitation optimale des différentes phases de fermentation et de digestion des déchets de tous types (biomasse, ordures ménagères, déchets d'élevage, matière végétale verte etc), optimisant la production de bio-gaz par un apport calorifique permanent à la température désirée étant précisé que la biomasse et autres déchets sont contenus dans une cuve de digestion et au moins partiellement en contact intime avec la dite capacité de condensation 2 profilée à cet effet et fournissant l'apport calorifique nécessaire à la digestion anaérobique.
• b) d'une énergie mécanique exploitable à toutes fins à partir de l'axe tournant 11A, notamment à des fins de compression du bio-gaz (production de méthane liquide) issu de la digestion anaérobique par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de compression multi-étagée 35 monté sur l'axe 11A entraîné par la came 12C et pistons 36, 37, 38, le bio-gaz issu de la dite digestion étant comprimé par phases successives par lesdits pistons compresseurs dans diverses enceintes (non représentées) jusqu'à la pression désirée (environ 150 kg/cm2), la came 12C étant profilée et positionnée augulairement de façon judicieuse avec les autres cames 12, 12A, 12B de façon à optimiser le rendement global.

Other details on the various characteristics of the device according to the invention which has just been described will appear in the description given below of some examples chosen from the multiple applications of the device among which there may be mentioned in particular:

• a) the achievement of a sealed and motive condensing capacity forming a multi-functional digester with integrated thermodynamic cycle, simultaneously generating thermal energy distributed through the multi-stage capacity 3 whose judicious distribution of the constituent elements will allow optimal exploitation different phases of fermentation and digestion of waste of all types (biomass, household waste, livestock waste, green plant material etc.), optimizing the production of bio-gas by a permanent calorific intake at the desired temperature being specified that the biomass and other waste are contained in a digestion tank and at least partially in intimate contact with said condensing capacity 2 profiled for this purpose and providing the calorific intake necessary for anaerobic digestion.
• b) mechanical energy which can be used for all purposes from the rotating axis 11A, in particular for the compression of bio-gas (production of liquid methane) resulting from anaerobic digestion by means of a multi-stage compression 35 mounted on the axis 11A driven by the cam 12C and pistons 36, 37, 38, the bio-gas resulting from said digestion being compressed in successive phases by said compressor pistons in various chambers (not shown) up to 'at the desired pressure (approximately 150 kg / cm2), the cam 12C being profiled and positioned augularly judiciously with the other cams 12, 12A, 12B so as to optimize the overall yield.

It will be noted that this type of digester with integrated thermodynamic cycle, with multiple functions can equip a vehicle and operate by exploiting the heat of the engine of the vehicle which, by its usual cooling circuit, will heat supply the accumulation material 26A; When the vehicle is stopped, a battery of solar energy absorbers, combined and structured in harmony with said vehicle, will combine the solar heat recovered with that contained in the storage capacity 26. Taking into account the calorific power available to the engine of the vehicle, several devices according to the invention can be combined for multiple purposes; grain escapes in fitted silots, in combination with the digester, and other biomass applications, production of hydrocarbons by the combination of a high calorific intake (250 ° c) and a high compression of said biomass (200 kg / cm2) and others.

c) The realization of a multipurpose cold room mainly by the at least partial recovery of the motive heat circulating in the sealed and motive condensing capacity 1 and through the multi-stage capacity 3, and raising it to a temperature exploitable for domestic purposes (heating the water of a cumulus for example at 100 ° c) under the action of the stepped compression assembly 5, contained in said capacity 1, combined with the production of cold by an assembly 35 mounted on the axis 11A and connected to various refrigeration loops, it being specified that the sealed condensing capacity 2 will be at least partially profiled so as to integrate at least partially into said cold chamber in the double wall of which circulates possibly a fluid and that the thermal accumulator 26 will be supplied in combination with other heat sources, by an electric heating resistor 39 allows both to make the best use of off-peak hours from the urban power grid.

As in the previous example, this cold room can be adapted to a vehicle and be connected to its heat dissipation circuit from the engine, forming a mobile cold production unit intended for all purposes, in particular for demineralization of sea water by freezing.

d) The realization of a device for air conditioning residential premises allowing by inversion of the thermal cycles of capacity 3 forming a heat pump and the judicious arrangement of the constituent elements to combine on demand and continuously by the combination of several hot springs, the production of heat and cold forming a device adaptable to the needs of air conditioning in general.

It will be noted that, on request, the device according to the invention may give priority either to the thermal evacuation capacity assembly 3, or to the mechanical force that can be used from the shaft 11A.

As an example and succinctly, mention will be made of the application of this device to the removal of heat from the engines by thermal transfer and successive compressions at a determined temperature, through the stages of capacity 3 judiciously arranged on the structure of the vehicle to for maximum heat exchange with the outside environment, it being understood that the device according to the invention will be able to operate during the periods of stoppage of said vehicle as long as there is heat to be removed, and / or in combination on demand with an external calorific contribution such as solar energy which is particularly interesting for vehicles with turbo-compressor engines, where the air conditioning continues for vehicles and others, construction machinery, public transport and others.

Mention will also be made of the integration of the devices according to the invention in a pumping and irrigation unit, operating by the addition of a pump on the axis 11A, forming in combination refrigeration capacity for multiple uses by the operation of the multi-stage compression assembly 5 acting by inversion of the refrigeration cycle on the fluidic loops of the heat transfer capacity 3.

Claims (10)

1. Multifunctional type of energy transforming device combining simultaneous production of thermal energy and mechanical energy by the application of different temperature heat sources and comprising a leak-proof container partly holding the elements comprising an integrated thermal cycle motor-compressor set constituted of a motor assembly with at least one piston sliding in a cylinder and driving an assembly of compressors with at least one piston sliding in a compressor cylinder and being linked to a cooling circuit fluid loop partly condensed in the multi-stage tanks for heat transfer and with reverse cycle characterised by a leak-tight closed container (1) formed of modulable tanks (G, H, J, K) containing a combination of thermal cycle motor-compressor associated with a drive fluid loop (28, 28A, F1, F2) including on the one hand a heat source comprising an external boiler (26, 27, 39) and on the other hand a different temperature source consisting of a thermal exchanger (2) forming an integral of the closed container (1), the motor-compressor unit consisting of a combination of a motor assembly (4) with at least three cylinders with sliding pistons (4A, 4B, 4C) positioned parallel to one another and the axes of which forms the datum plane, driving a compression assembly (5) consisting of at least three cylinders with sliding pistons (5A, 5B, 5C) which move in the cylinders which are arranged at an angle one to the other in an orthogonal plane relative to the said datum plane and linked, so as to be leak-tight, to the elements of a multi-stage fluid loop for reversible cycle thermal transfer (C1, C2, C3), at least partly contained in a closed vessel so as to be kept leak-tight (1) by an element (20) of one of the fluid loops (C1) forming the evaporator, thermal exchange with the user's system(s) taking place in an assembly (3) consisting of one or several enclosures (3A, 3B, 3C) with material or fluid for thermal accumulation (22A), independent or otherwise.

2. Arrangement as per claim 1 characterised in that the compressor pistons (5A, 5B, 5C) sliding in their cylinder and driven by a profiled cam (12) each one to be found in different compression phase one from the others and positioned angularly around the said cam (12) forming an integral part of the motor shaft (11) which crosses it orthogonally to form a crankshaft connected by mechanical means (9) to the engine pistons (4A, 4B, 4C).

3. Arrangement as per claim 1 and 2 characterised in that the motor assembly (4) includes a combination on the one hand of a rotary element (7A) forming a single line chronologically supplying the motor pistons (4A, 4B, 4C) contained in the assembly (4) connected by a leak- tight pipe (28A) to the external boiler (26, 27), and a rotary element (8) forming the single chronologic exhaust line from the engine pistons (4A, 4B, 4C) connected by a line (8A) to a flywheel (14), forming an integral part of the crankshaft (11), and fitted with exhaust depressurized steam acceleration fins in the cylinders containing the said engine pistons.

4. Arrangement as per claim 1, characterised in that the evaporator (20) forming part of the multi- . stage heat transfer fluid loop (3) and situated in the enclosure (1), is contained in a heat accumulation material (22) with envelope (21) forming an inertia system and heat storage crossed by a pipe (23) in which the engine circuit fluid (F1, F2) circulates, driven by the flywheel (14).

5. Arrangement as per claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the camshaft (11) penetrates at least one wall (1A) of the enclosure (1), and includes a leak-tight system (15, 16, 17, 18, 19) forming an integral part of the said wall and comprising by at least two rings (15, 16) forming the leak-tight tank for leak recovery (17) connected on the one hand by leak-tight pipe (18) to deformable reservoir (19) for pressure equilibrium, situated behind the said enclosure (1), and on the other hand by leak-tight pipe (29) to at least one piston (6D) of sliding piston leak reinjection assembly (6D, 6E, CF), driven by cam (12A) forming an integral part of the camshaft (11), it being stipulated that the said leak reinjection assembly with cam (12A) is contained in the enclosure (1) and that the said leak reinjection pistons are positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of compressors (5A, 5B, 5C) and orthogonal to the datum plane containing the axes of motor pistons (4A, 4B, 4C).

6. Arrangement as per claim 1 and 3, characterised in that the exhaust line (8A) of the motor assembly (4) penetrates a heat recovery system (8C) formed by a tank containing a heat accumulating fluid or material (8B) which absorbs the heat of the depressurized fluid which passes through it under the effect of flywheel (14) rotation, the said exchanger (8C) being extended by pipe (8D) to the said flywheel for acceleration of the depressurized motor exhaust fluid in the cylinders with motor pistons (4A, 4B, 4C), and returns it to the condensed fluid crossing the aforementioned heat recovery unit (8C) by pipes (8E).

7. Arrangement as per claims 1, 2 and 6, characterised in that the crankshaft (11) includes a profiled drive cam (12B) for reinjection assembly (6) consisting of sliding pistons (6A, 6B, 6C) positioned in an orthogonal plane to the motor piston datum plane (4A, 4B, 4C), and providing leak-tight discharge of condensed motor fluid towards the external boiler (26, 27, 39), through a duct (28) extended by pipes (8E) crossing the heat recovery unit (8C), the axes of the said reinjection piston and compression pistons (5A, 5B, 5C) displacement being in parallel planes and arranged with judicious stagger one compared with the other so that on each cycle reinjection takes place in the phases of least compression and of maximum piston displacement velocity, in order to procure, in combination with the special profiling of the compressor piston and reinjection drive cams (12 and 12B) that the arrangement operates at constant torque.

8. Arrangement as per claims 2 and 3, characterised in that at least one of the rotary conduits (7A, 8) is connected by a chain (9A) to a roller (9B) forming an integral part of crankshaft (11), it being stipulated that the said rotary conduit drives the other by kinematic (9C).

9. Arrangement as per claims 1 and 3, characterised in that the rotary conduit (7A, 8) are in chronological communication with the motor pistons (4A, 4B, 4C) by ports (4D) containing hollow capsules (25A), one face of which is in close contact with the said conduit, whereas the opposite face is in contact with the motor fluid circulating in the motor piston cylinders (4A, 4B, 4C).

10. Arrangement as per claim 1 characterised in that the motor sliding pistons (4A, 4B, 4C) and compressors (5A, 5B, 5C) include a leaktight and deformable capsule (24) in close contact with leak-tight segments (25) and containing a dilatable fluid.

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