Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
  • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
  • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
  • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
  • F28D1/0233—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with air flow channels
  • F28D1/024—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with air flow channels with an air driving element
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
  • F24D19/00—Details
  • F24D19/008—Details related to central heating radiators
  • F24D19/0087—Fan arrangements for forced convection
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for improving the efficiency of a radiator, in particular for improving the heat exchange between them and the air to be warmed.
• Such device comprises a fan actuated by the same fluid, typically hot water, circulating in the heating system.
• the prior art devices are complex to make as it is necessary to avoid the danger of fluid leaks between the radiator and the fan unit.
• the prior art devices are often a cause of vibrations and noise that often bother the user. [0006] The need of obtaining a device capable of overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above with reference to the prior art is therefore felt.
• figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a device according to the present invention
• figure 2 shows a side, partial section view of the device of figure 1 in an assembly configuration
• figure 3 shows the device of figure 1, from the side of arrow III of figure 2
• figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in a configuration of installation on a radiator
• figure 5 shows an enlarged view of detail V of figure 4 ;
• figure 6 shows the device of figure 4, from the side of arrow VI of figure 4 ;
• figure 7 shows a section view of the device of figure 6, along the section line VII-VII of figure 6;
• figure 8 shows an enlarged view of detail VIII of figure 7 ;
• figure 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device of figure 1;
• figure 10 shows a front view of the detail of figure 9
• figure 11 shows a section view of detail XI of figure 10
• figure 12 shows an enlarged view of detail XI of figure 10;
• figure 13 shows an enlarged view of detail XIII of figure 9;
• figures 14 and 16 show views from different perspectives of a detail of the device of figure 1;
• figures 15 and 17 show views from different perspectives of a further detail of the device of figure i;
• figure 18 shows an enlarged view of detail XVIII of figure 16;
• figure 19 shows an enlarged view of detail XIX of figure 17;
• figure 20 shows a front view of the detail of figure
• figure 21 shows a front view of the detail of figure
• figure 22 shows a section view of the detail of figure 20 along line XXII-XXII of figure 20;
• figure 23 shows a section view of the detail of figure 21 along line XXIII-XXIII of figure 20;
• figure 24 shows an enlarged view of detail XXIV of figure 22;
• figure 25 shows an enlarged view of detail XXV of figure 23.
• reference numeral 4 globally denotes a device for improving the efficiency of a radiator.
• Device 4 comprises a containment structure 8 applicable to a radiator 12, for example in top or bottom position, preferably so as to arrange parallel to the sequence of radiator . elements 14 , according to a prevailing direction X, typically horizontal.
• the containment structure 8 extends from a first to a second axial end 16, 20 at which it is delimited by a first and a second flange 24, 28 respectively.
• the containment structure 8 comprises an upright 32 suitable, in a configuration of installation on the radiator, for facing bottom or top ends of the radiator elements 14.
• upright 32 comprises air ejection holes 36, suitable for sending an air jet on the ends of the radiator elements 14.
• the ejection holes 36 are arranged on the side of upright 32 facing an inner portion of radiator 12, that is, a portion adjacent the wall or panel the radiator is applied to.
• the containment structure 8 comprises a panel 40 and a suction mask 42 provided with at least one grid 44 for sucking air from the external environment. The air sucked is then conveyed towards the ejection holes 36.
• the containment structure 8 delimits a ventilation chamber 48, substantially cylindrical, which houses a fan 52 suitable for sucking air from the exterior, through grid 44 and for sending it on the radiator elements 14 through the ejection holes 36.
• Fan 52 is preferably provided with a plurality of vanes arranged radially relative to an axis of rotation R of fan 52, preferably parallel to said prevailing direction X.
• fan 52 comprises a first and a second shaft 56, 58 for supporting the rotation suitable for being turnably supported in relevant seats 60 of said first and second flange 24, 28.
• Device 4 comprises, associated to the first flange 24, on a side axially opposite the second flange 28, a turbine body 64 which is in fluid separation from the containment structure 8.
• axial direction it is meant a direction parallel to the prevailing direction X, as well as to the rotation axis R.
• the turbine body 64 is mechanically separate from the containment structure and is associated to said structure for example by screws.
• device 4 comprises motor means 65, structurally separate from said fan 52, and seated within said turbine body 64.
• the motor means 65 are advantageously actuated by the fluid circulating within the radiator.
• the turbine body 64 comprises a seat 68 for motor means 65, such as a turbine 72, substantially cylindrical.
• Seat 68, on the side opposite the first flange 24 is hermetically closed by a cover 76.
• Cover 76 hermetically closes seat 68 of turbine body 64 by a seal 80, preferably of the 0-ring type.
• the turbine body 64 is connected, at an inlet hole 88, to an outlet 90 of the radiator and, at an outlet hole 92, to a return duct 94 of the heating system.
• seat 68 of turbine 72 communicates with a header 96 which is connected in input to outlet 90 of the radiator and in output, to the return duct 94 of the heating system.
• in the turbine body 64 there are obtained two vertical passages that lead tangentially into seat 68 of turbine 72, a first passage 100 being connected to the inlet hole 88 and a second passage 102 being connected to the outlet hole 92.
• header 96 is associated to a flow deviator tap 104 that can be rotated between a position for starting the radiator and actuating the device, a position for starting the radiator and excluding the device and a position for stopping the radiator.
• seat 68 comprises a separator 105 suitable for conveying the water flow within the seat itself.
• separator 105 with turbine body 64 delimits a channel 106 which is jointed to second passage 102 and hence to the outlet hole 92.
• separator 105 is such as to intercept the fluid substantially at the lowest point of the turbine; in other words, the fluid enters at the inlet hole 88 arranged on the turbine side facing the radiator, flows by about one fourth of the outer circumference angularly swept by turbine 72 and is channelled by separator 105 into channel 106 until it outflows through the outlet hole 92.
• separator 105 optimises the hydraulic efficiency of the turbine, as it uses all the kinetic energy of the radiator fluid which reaches the maximum speed at the lowest point of the turbine .
• Turbine 72 comprises radial vanes 108 arranged substantially as rays relative to rotation axis R.
• Turbine 72 advantageously comprises, between at least one pair of consecutive vanes, a bush 112, cylindrical and hollow, having a symmetry axis Y parallel to the rotation axis R of the turbine itself.
• bush 112 is arranged on the side of the common vertex of the consecutive vanes, that is, towards the rotation axis R of turbine 72; even more preferably, bush 112 is arranged at a distance not higher than half the radius of the outer circumference of the vanes .
• the cavity of bush 112 passes through the axial thickness of the turbine and at an axial end thereof it comprises an abutment 116, for example shaped as a ring, which reduces the inner passage area of bush 112.
• the turbine in an assembly configuration the turbine is axially orientated so that abutment 116 faces the first flange 24, that is, on the side opposite cover 76.
• turbine 72 comprises three bushes 112 arranged at the same radial distance from the rotation axis R of turbine 72, and at pitch, that is, at about 120 degrees relative to the same rotation axis R.
• the turbine body 64 comprises a pocket 117.
• Pocket 117 is in fluid separation from seat 68 by a partition 118.
• Pocket 117 is substantially cylindrical and is axial- symmetrical relative to rotation axis R.
• Turbine 72 is supported in rotation inside the turbine body 64 by a shaft turnably fixed to the turbine body or more preferably it is supported in rotation by a pair of tips 120, for example truncated-cone shaped, so as to influence the turbine at said truncated-cone portions.
• a pair of tips 120 for example truncated-cone shaped, so as to influence the turbine at said truncated-cone portions.
• at least one of said tips 120 is mounted on partition 118, whereas the other is attached to cover 76.
• the tip attached to cover 76 is elastically mounted relative to an axial direction by the introduction, between the tip and the respective seat in the cover, of an elastic means, such as a clip 124.
• the turbine body 64 comprises a pulling device 130, shaped as a disc having diameter not smaller than the turbine diameter at bushes 112 of turbine 72 and arranged in said pocket 117 so as to be axially facing turbine 72, but hermetically separate therefrom.
• Pulling device 130 comprises radial protuberances 132 arranged substantially as rays relative to rotation axis R and a plurality of relieves 134, for example shaped as circular sectors.
• the pulling device 130 comprises at least one seat 138, for example cylindrical and hollow, passing through the axial thickness of pulling device 130 and arranged at said protuberances 132.
• seat 138 is arranged at a radial distance from the rotation axis R equal to the radial distance between the same rotation axis R and bushes 112 of turbine 72.
• Each seat 138 is preferably provided, at an axial end thereof, with a second abutment 142 which forms a narrowing of the inner hole or lumen of the seat itself.
• the pulling device 130 is axially orientated so that the second abutment 142 faces turbine 72, that is, on the side opposite cover 76.
• the pulling device 130 comprises three seats 138 arranged at the same radial distance from the rotation axis R as well as equal to the radial distance between bushes 112 of turbine 112 and the rotation axis R of turbine 72; advantageously, said three seats are arranged at pitch, that is, at about 120 degrees relative to rotation axis R.
• the pulling device 130 is integral in rotation with a pin 146 arranged coaxially thereto as well as to the rotation axis R.
• pin 146 axially faces the first support shaft 56 of fan 52.
• pin 146 is turnably supported in a seat obtained in partition 118, whereas on the opposite side it is turnably supported in a hole obtained in cap 119.
• pin 146 is made integral in rotation with the first support shaft 56 by the interposition of a joint 150.
• joint 150 is elastic so as to allow shifts between pin 146 and the support shaft 56.
• joint 150 allows damping any bending and rotational vibrations between the pulling device 130 and fan 52.
• device 4 comprises magnetic transmission means 154 suitable for transmitting the motion from said motor means 65, such as turbine 72, to said fan 52.
• said magnetic transmission means 154 comprise at least one magnet 156 with cylindrical shape suitable for being seated respectively in bushes 112 of turbine 72 and in seats 138 of the pulling device 130.
• magnets 156 are arranged inside the relevant seats so that the magnets of pulling device 130 and those of turbine 72 are axially facing relative to magnetic polarities opposite to one another; in other words, magnets 156 are inserted in the respective seats so as to exert axial attraction forces between turbine 72 and pulling device 130.
• magnets 156 are inserted with a slight clearance on a side opposite the respective abutments 116, 132 so as to contact the abutments themselves. In this way, following the reciprocal magnetic attractions exerted, the magnets are pushed against the respective abutments .
• turbine 72 and the pulling device 130 are arranged hermetically separate and distinct from one another, and axially facing each other so that the respective magnets 156 are arranged substantially at the same radial distance, measured relative to the prevailing direction X and to the rotation axis R; moreover, magnets 156 are arranged so as to attract each other reciprocally; such magnetic forces push the magnets against the respective abutments 116, 132.
• the device of the present invention allows overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.
• the device overcomes the disadvantages due to any fluid leaks between the hydraulic heating system and the turbine, thanks to the fact that the latter is hermetically isolated from the fan seat.
• the motor means and the fan there are no seals acting on moving surfaces which would unavoidably be subject to early wear; in other words, there are no seals acting by friction on rotating parts, such as a common driving shaft between turbine and fan. The danger of leaks and/or floods that could occur with the prior art devices is therefore prevented.
• the device described and illustrated is especially versatile and can be applied to existing radiators without the need of making changes to the systems. In fact, it can be applied to radiators having water connections arranged either on the right side or on the left side.
• the installation versatility is also ensured by the use of a turbine with straight vanes, so as to allow the reversible installation of the turbine itself.
• the described device is especially noiseless while operating.
• the magnetic transmission in fact reduces the transmission of vibrations to the shaft and to the fan and moreover it tends to damp any vibrations triggered for example by pulses that may occur in the radiator water flow.
• the elastic joint between the turbine shaft and the fan shaft contributes to damping or in any case reducing the vibration phenomenon.
• the magnets are arranged as much as possible at a radius external to the turbine vanes, so as to transmit the highest traction torque to the fan.
• the magnets are associated to the vanes by free coupling thus preventing the use for example of adhesives or of mechanical screw connections: in fact, the adhesives could detach with time as they are always immersed in water or oil, whereas the mechanical connections would increase the turbine inertia.
• the positioning of the magnets inside suitably- shaped vane seats is such as to not affect the turbine fluid mechanics; in fact, the fluid is introduced into the turbine in a radially outermost position relative to the turbine bushes; therefore, water is not forced to meet disturbing surfaces relative to the optimum flow lines, that is, that allow the best performance.
• the water used to actuate the turbine is withdrawn from the radiator unit delivery, in other words, the turbine is actuated by water that has already carried out the heat exchange with the radiator elements so as to limit the heat dissipation due to the actuation of the turbine itself. In other words, such dissipation takes place after the water has already carried out the heat exchange with the radiant elements.
• the experimentally checked efficiency increase is equal to about 58.5%.
• the device according to the invention exhibits low frictions and thus low wear of the moving parts .
• the device according to the present invention exhibits a non-stiff structure but with heat compensation. In other words, the clearances especially relating to the turbine which is the most stressed mechanical component from the thermal point of view are recovered through elements like the clip. [0083] Any misalignments between the pulling device and the fan are allowed and in any case recovered thanks to the interposition of the elastic joint.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
• Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=37715095

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2006
  • 2006-06-30 EP EP06796209A patent/EP2038587A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-06-30 WO PCT/IT2006/000506 patent/WO2008001399A1/en active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events