EP2038587A1

EP2038587A1 - Device for improving the efficiency of a radiator

Info

Publication number: EP2038587A1
Application number: EP06796209A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eros Cristini
Original assignee: Gulliver Srl
Current assignee: Gulliver Srl
Priority date: 2006-06-30
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2009-03-25
Also published as: WO2008001399A8; WO2008001399A1

Abstract

A device (4) for improving the efficiency of a radiator, comprising a fan (52) located in a support structure applicable below or above the radiator (12) and a rotating turbine (72) for actuating said fan (52). The turbine (72) is moved in rotation by the fluid flow circulating in a heating system and feeding the radiator (12) and transmits the actuating torque to the fan (52) through magnetic transmission means (154).

Description

"Device for improving the efficiency of a radiator"

[0001] 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.

[0002] Generally, the air circulation on the elements of a radiator occurs by convection, with a heat exchange that however is not the top as regards efficiency and performance. In fact, at present the efficiency of a radiator is equal to about 0.2.

[0003] Moreover, it is known that it is possible to improve the heat exchange and improve the efficiency with a forced air circulation on a heating body. Such technique, for example, is applied to fan heaters, wherein the fan element is actuated by an electrical motor, with the consequent energy consumption and the need of making dedicated systems . [0004] Such application is not applied to radiators also because, with a considerably higher efficiency, on the other hand there would be electrical energy consumption and the need of making electrical systems specific for the use. [0005] It is also known to make a fan device applicable to radiators, even to existing ones, for a forced air circulation in the same with consequent improvement of their efficiency, substantially without additional energy consumption and absorption. Such device comprises a fan actuated by the same fluid, typically hot water, circulating in the heating system. However, 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. Moreover, 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.

[0007] Such object is achieved with a device according to claim 1. [0008] The features and advantages of the device according to the present finding will appear more clearly from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made by way of an indicative non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein: [0009] figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a device according to the present invention; [0010] figure 2 shows a side, partial section view of the device of figure 1 in an assembly configuration; [0011] figure 3 shows the device of figure 1, from the side of arrow III of figure 2; [0012] figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in a configuration of installation on a radiator;

[0013] figure 5 shows an enlarged view of detail V of figure 4 ;

[0014] figure 6 shows the device of figure 4, from the side of arrow VI of figure 4 ;

[0015] figure 7 shows a section view of the device of figure 6, along the section line VII-VII of figure 6; [0016] figure 8 shows an enlarged view of detail VIII of figure 7 ;

[0017] figure 9 shows a perspective view of a detail of the device of figure 1;

[0018] figure 10 shows a front view of the detail of figure 9;

[0019] figure 11 shows a section view of detail XI of figure 10;

[0020] figure 12 shows an enlarged view of detail XI of figure 10; [0021] figure 13 shows an enlarged view of detail XIII of figure 9;

[0022] figures 14 and 16 show views from different perspectives of a detail of the device of figure 1;

[0023] figures 15 and 17 show views from different perspectives of a further detail of the device of figure i;

[0024] figure 18 shows an enlarged view of detail XVIII of figure 16;

[0025] figure 19 shows an enlarged view of detail XIX of figure 17;

[0026] figure 20 shows a front view of the detail of figure

14;

[0027] figure 21 shows a front view of the detail of figure

15; [0028] figure 22 shows a section view of the detail of figure 20 along line XXII-XXII of figure 20;

[0029] figure 23 shows a section view of the detail of figure 21 along line XXIII-XXIII of figure 20;

[0030] figure 24 shows an enlarged view of detail XXIV of figure 22;

[0031] figure 25 shows an enlarged view of detail XXV of figure 23.

[0032] Elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described below are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0033] With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 4 globally denotes a device for improving the efficiency of a radiator.

[0034] 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. [0035] 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. [0036] 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.

[0037] Advantageously, upright 32 comprises air ejection holes 36, suitable for sending an air jet on the ends of the radiator elements 14. Preferably, 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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. [0040] 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. [0041] At axially opposite ends thereof, 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. [0042] 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. By 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. [0043] Advantageously, 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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. In particular, 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. [0046] According to an embodiment, 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. [0047] Preferably, 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. [0048] Advantageously, seat 68 comprises a separator 105 suitable for conveying the water flow within the seat itself. In particular, separator 105 with turbine body 64 delimits a channel 106 which is jointed to second passage 102 and hence to the outlet hole 92. [0049] Preferably, 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. Such arrangement of 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 .

[0050] Turbine 72, according to an embodiment, comprises radial vanes 108 arranged substantially as rays relative to rotation axis R. [0051] 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. [0052] Preferably, 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 . [0053] 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. [0054] Advantageously, 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. Preferably, 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. [0055] Advantageously, on a side axially opposite seat 68, 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. Pocket 117, on the side opposite partition 118, that is, towards the first flange 24, is closed by a cap 119, applied for example pressure-wise.

[0056] 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. Preferably, at least one of said tips 120 is mounted on partition 118, whereas the other is attached to cover 76. Preferably, 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. [0057] Advantageously, 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. [0058] Pulling device 130, according to an embodiment, 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. [0059] 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.

[0060] Preferably, 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.

[0061] 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. [0062] Advantageously, in an assembly configuration the pulling device 130 is axially orientated so that the second abutment 142 faces turbine 72, that is, on the side opposite cover 76. Preferably, 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. [0063] Preferably, the pulling device 130 is integral in rotation with a pin 146 arranged coaxially thereto as well as to the rotation axis R. In an assembly configuration pin 146 axially faces the first support shaft 56 of fan 52. [0064] At an end opposite cover 76, 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. [0065] Advantageously, pin 146 is made integral in rotation with the first support shaft 56 by the interposition of a joint 150. Preferably, joint 150 is elastic so as to allow shifts between pin 146 and the support shaft 56. Advantageously, joint 150 allows damping any bending and rotational vibrations between the pulling device 130 and fan 52. [0066] Advantageously, 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. [0067] According to an embodiment, 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. Preferably, 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.

[0068] Preferably, 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 .

[0069] In an assembly configuration, 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.

[0070] As can be appreciated from the description, the device of the present invention allows overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. [0071] In fact, 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. In particular, thanks to the absence of a direct mechanical connection between 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.

[0072] Moreover, 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Moreover, 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.

[0075] Moreover, besides guaranteeing proper installation of the components even in the event of slight radial misalignment, the elastic joint between the turbine shaft and the fan shaft contributes to damping or in any case reducing the vibration phenomenon.

[0076] Advantageously, 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. [0077] Moreover, 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. [0078] 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. [0079] Advantageously, 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. [0080] The experimentally checked efficiency increase is equal to about 58.5%.

[0081] The device according to the invention exhibits low frictions and thus low wear of the moving parts . [0082] 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.

[0084] A man skilled in the art may make several changes and adjustments to the devices described above in order to meet specific and incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. Device (4) for improving the efficiency of a radiator comprising a fan (52) located in a containment structure (8) applicable to a radiator (12) , motor means (65) of said fan (52) actuated by the fluid flow circulating in a heating system feeding the radiator (12) characterised in that said motor means (65) are structurally and fluidically separate from said fan (52) and the device

(4) comprises magnetic transmission means (154) suitable for transmitting the motion from said motor means (65) to said fan (52) for conveying an air flow on the elements of said radiator (12) .

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a turbine body (64) having a seat (68) for the motor means (65) , said seat (68) , on the side opposite the fan (52) being hermetically closed by a cover (76) .

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the cover (76) hermetically closes the seat (68) of the turbine body (64) by the interposition of a seal (80) .

4. Device according to any one of the previous claims , wherein said motor means (65) comprise a turbine (72) turnably mounted in the turbine body of the device relative to a rotation axis (R) and influenced by the radiator fluid.

5. Device according to claim 4 , wherein the turbine (72) comprises radial vanes (108) arranged substantially as rays relative to said rotation axis (R) .

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the turbine (72) comprises between at least one pair of consecutive vanes (108) a cylindrical bush (112) having a symmetry axis (Y) parallel to the rotation axis (R) of the turbine itself.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one bush (112) is arranged on the side of the common vertex of the consecutive vanes (108) , towards the rotation axis (R) of the turbine (72) .

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the bush (112) is arranged at a distance of not more than half the radius of the outer circumference of the vanes (108) of the turbine (72) .

9. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the bush (112) is provided with a cavity passing through the axial thickness of the bush (112) and at an axial end thereof it comprises an abutment (116) which reduces the inner passage area of the bush (112) .

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein in an assembly configuration the turbine (72) is axially orientated so that the abutment (116) faces the fan (52) .

11. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the turbine (72) comprises three bushes (112) arranged at the same radial distance from the rotation axis R of the turbine (72) , and at pitch, at about 120 degrees relative to the same rotation axis (R) .

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein said magnetic transmission means (154) comprise at least one magnet (156) with cylindrical shape arranged into said bushes (112) of the turbine (72) .

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein said magnets (156) are inserted with clearance from the side opposite the abutment (116) .

14. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 13 , wherein the turbine (72) is supported in rotation inside the turbine body (64) by a pair of tips (120) .

15. Device according to claim 14, wherein at least one of said tips (120) is mounted on a partition (118) of the turbine body, whereas the other is attached to the cover (76) .

16. Device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the tip attached to the cover (76) is elastically mounted relative to an axial direction by the introduction, between the tip (120) and the respective seat in the cover (76) , of an elastic means (124) .

17. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein on a side axially opposite the seat (68) , the turbine body (64) comprises a pocket (117) in fluid separation from the seat (68) by a partition (118) .

18. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the turbine body (64) comprises a pulling device

(130) , shaped as a disc having diameter not smaller than the turbine diameter at the bushes (112) of the turbine (72) .

19. Device according to claims 17 and 18, wherein said pulling device (130) is arranged in said pocket (117) so as to axially face the turbine (72) , but hermetically separate therefrom.

20. Device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the pulling device (130) comprises radial protuberances (132) arranged substantially as rays relative to the rotation axis (R) .

21. Device according to claim 20, wherein the pulling device (130) comprises at least one seat (138) passing through the axial thickness of the pulling device (130) and arranged at said protuberances (132) .

22. Device according to claim 21, wherein the 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 the bushes (112) of the turbine (72) .

23. Device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein said seat (138) is 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.

24. Device according to claim 23, wherein in an assembly configuration the pulling device (130) is axially orientated so that the second abutment (142) faces the turbine (72) .

25. Device according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the pulling device (130) comprises three seats

(138) arranged at the same radial distance from the rotation axis (R) .

26. Device according to claim 25, wherein said three seats (138) are arranged at a pitch, at about 120 degrees relative to the rotation axis (R) .

27. Device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the radial distance between the seats (138) and the rotation axis (R) is substantially equal to the radial distance between the bushes (112) of the turbine (72) and said rotation axis (R) .

28. Device (1) according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein said magnetic transmission means (154) comprise at least one magnet (156) with cylindrical shape arranged into said seats (138) of the pulling device.

29. Device according to claim 28, wherein said magnets (156) are inserted with clearance from the side opposite the second abutment (142) .

30. Device (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the pulling device (130) is integral in rotation with a pin (146) arranged coaxially thereto as well as to the rotation axis (R) , said pin (146) being axially facing a first support shaft (56) of the fan (52) .

31. Device according to claim 30, wherein the pin (146), at an end opposite the cover (76) is turnably supported in a seat obtained in a partition (118) of the turbine body (64) , whereas on the opposite side it is turnably supported in a hole obtained in a cap (119) of the turbine body (64) .

32. Device according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the pin (146) is made integral in rotation with a first support shaft (56) by the interposition of a joint (150) .

33. Device according to claim 32, wherein the joint (150) is elastic so as to allow shifts between the pin (146) and the support shaft (56) .

34. Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the magnetic transmission means (154) are associated to a pulling device (130) , operatively connected to the fan (52) , and to the turbine (72) so as to face magnetic polarities opposite to one another, exerting axial attraction forces between the turbine (72) and the pulling device (130) .

35. Device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the seat (68) of the turbine body (64) comprises a separator (105) suitable for conveying the water flow into the seat itself in a channel (106) located between the separator (105) and the turbine body (64) .

36. Device according to claim 35, wherein the radiator fluid enters in the device at an inlet hole (88) arranged on the side of the turbine (72) facing the radiator and is intercepted by the separator (105) at the lowest point of the turbine, on the side opposite the radiator, until it outflows through an outlet hole (92) of the device.