EP2977687B1 - Cooling, air-conditioning or heating system with separate units and casing enclosing one of the units - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for cooling, air conditioning or heating a building based on the principle of the heat pump and using outside air as an external source. The system is of the type with separate heat exchange units in which, on the one hand, the compressor, the expansion device and the first exchanger in which the outside air circulates and, on the other hand, the second heat exchanger are distributed in two separate heat exchange units and at a distance from each other.

When such a system is installed for the purpose of cooling, air conditioning or heating a building (dwelling ...), one of the heat exchange units, called outdoor unit, is placed outside the building while the Another unit is placed inside the building.

Generally, this type of outdoor unit has an air inlet on a first face and an air outlet on a second face opposite to the first.

The implementation of the external unit must comply with certain installation constraints and, in particular, be spaced from the walls or wall by at least 100 mm in order to facilitate the entry of air through its first face opposite the wall. The second opposite face, in turn, is oriented in the opposite direction of the wall.

Such an implementation can seriously affect the aesthetics of the building, which is even more important for a home. In addition, when the outdoor unit contains a compressor and a fan noise generated by these elements is a nuisance for people in the vicinity and for neighboring homes.

International demand WO 2004/094918 describes an air conditioning system comprising a so-called "outdoor" unit placed inside a building. The patent application EP 2 314 937 describes an air conditioning system comprising an indoor unit and a unit exterior.

The present invention thus aims to remedy at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a system as defined in independent claim 1.

By installing the thermal unit in a box that is intended to be placed inside the building, the aesthetics of the building is not in question.

External noise is also greatly reduced as a result.

The box is generally open on one side and this open side is generally intended to be oriented facing an opening of a building.

The longitudinal axis is considered as the axis that extends between the outlet air outlet of the heat exchange unit and the open side of the box, perpendicularly, on the one hand, to the face of the heat exchange unit in which is arranged the air outlet and, on the other hand, the open side of the box.

The air separation means (longitudinal extension) are configured telescopically to vary their longitudinal extension (this arrangement allows the system to be installed on building walls of various thicknesses) and / or the means air separation (longitudinal extension) comprise a discharge duct which is arranged opposite the outlet of the heat exchange unit.

• les moyens de séparation d'air d'extension longitudinale sont aptes à canaliser (guidage) l'air de refoulement de la sortie de l'unité d'échange thermique jusqu'au côté ouvert du caisson ;
• les moyens de séparation d'air sont distincts de l'unité d'échange thermique et sont placés devant la sortie de ladite unité ;
• les moyens de séparation d'air comprennent en outre au moins un déflecteur d'air qui est conçu pour éviter que de l'air refoulé par la sortie de l'unité d'échange thermique ne soit aspiré par l'entrée d'air extérieur d'aspiration de ladite unité d'échange thermique; ainsi, les moyens de séparation d'air comprennent une partie d'extension longitudinale et au moins un déflecteur d'air associé à cette partie ;
• le système comprend un cadre extérieur disposé en regard et à distance du côté ouvert du caisson, ledit au moins un déflecteur étant fixé audit cadre extérieur ;
• la gaine de refoulement est disposée entre la sortie de l'unité d'échange thermique et ledit au moins un déflecteur d'air ;
• la gaine de refoulement comporte une extrémité débouchante et ledit au moins un déflecteur s'étend au moins partiellement autour de ladite extrémité débouchante de la gaine de refoulement ;
• la gaine de refoulement est montée sur un cadre dit intérieur distinct de l'unité d'échange thermique et placé devant la sortie de ladite unité ;
• le caisson est fixé au cadre intérieur ;
• la gaine de refoulement comprend deux parties qui sont emboîtées l'une dans l'autre ;
• une première partie de la gaine est montée sur le cadre intérieur et une deuxième partie de la gaine est montée sur ledit au moins un déflecteur d'air;
• la première partie est emboitée dans la deuxième partie ;
• ledit au moins un déflecteur d'air prend la forme d'une plaque dont le bord périphérique intérieur est fixé à la deuxième partie de la gaine de refoulement et qui s'étend transversalement autour de ladite deuxième partie de manière à obstruer une partie du côté ouvert du caisson ;
• la plaque comprend un bord périphérique extérieur qui est profilé de manière à permettre la fixation de la plaque au cadre extérieur, tout en laissant dégagées à l'intérieur du cadre extérieur une ou plusieurs zones pour l'entrée d'air extérieur ;
• le cadre extérieur est fermé par une grille autorisant le passage bidirectionnel d'air et derrière laquelle sont disposés les moyens de séparation d'air ;
• le caisson comprend une ossature sur laquelle sont rapportées, après mise en place de l'unité d'échange thermique dans le caisson, des parois latérales, une paroi de fond opposée au côté ouvert dudit caisson, une paroi de plafond, au moins une desdites parois étant amovible pour permettre l'accès à l'unité d'échange thermique ;
• les deux parois latérales du caisson, en vue de dessus, sont adjacentes chacune, d'une part, au côté ouvert du caisson et, d'autre part, à la paroi de fond du caisson, ledit au moins un échangeur thermique de l'unité d'échange thermique étant disposé le long de deux parois adjacentes de ladite unité, l'unité étant agencée à l'intérieur du caisson de manière à ce que les deux parois adjacentes de ladite unité soient respectivement disposées en vis-à-vis et à distance d'une première des deux parois latérales du caisson et de la paroi de fond du caisson, l'unité étant décalée latéralement de manière à être plus proche de la deuxième des deux parois latérales du caisson que de la première paroi latérale ;
• le système comprend un ou plusieurs éléments de fixation et/ou de support du caisson destinés à fixer le caisson à un autre composant du système et/ou au bâtiment et/ou à supporter le caisson;
• le système comprend un support de caisson sur lequel ledit caisson est apte à être posé et qui comporte des moyens de réglage de la hauteur dudit support ; le support de caisson est par exemple monté sur des pieds qui comportent chacun deux parties mobiles l'une par rapport à l'autre de manière à augmenter ou réduire la hauteur dudit pied selon le sens de déplacement des deux parties l'une par rapport à l'autre ;
• l'unité d'échange thermique est apte à reposer sur une plaque (par exemple opposée à la paroi de plafond précitée du caisson) et qui comporte des éléments de guidage destinés à guider ladite unité dans un mouvement de translation entre un des bords périphériques de la plaque et une zone de la plaque qui correspond à la zone d'implantation de l'unité dans le caisson ;
• les éléments de guidage sont des rails de guidage ;
• l'unité d'échange thermique est apte à reposer sur la plaque par l'intermédiaire d'organes de fixation anti vibratiles ;
• le système comprend un bac de récupération des condensats liquides provenant dudit au moins un échangeur thermique et qui comporte au moins une ouverture par laquelle s'évacuent les condensats liquides ;
• le système comprend :
  • au moins un thermostat qui est apte à mesurer la température de l'air du milieu dans lequel est placé le bac et à la comparer avec une valeur de consigne qui est représentative d'un risque de gel des condensats liquides,
  • au moins un élément chauffant qui est apte à chauffer au moins une zone dudit bac en cas de dégivrage dudit au moins un échangeur thermique et lorsque la température mesurée de l'air du milieu dans lequel est placé le bac est inférieure à la valeur de consigne;
• le système comprend au moins une entrée d'air supplémentaire dans le caisson qui est apte à fournir audit caisson de l'air vicié qui est mélangé dans ledit caisson à l'air extérieur entrant ;
• ladite au moins une entrée d'air est apte à fournir au caisson de l'air vicié récupéré dans le bâtiment par une installation de ventilation mécanique contrôlée ;
• le système comprend, en plus de l'unité d'échange thermique dite première unité d'échange thermique, une deuxième unité d'échange thermique distincte et distante de la première unité, la deuxième unité comprenant un échangeur thermique qui est complémentaire de l'échangeur thermique de la première unité, à savoir un condenseur si l'échangeur de la première unité est un évaporateur ou inversement.

According to other possible characteristics taken separately or in combination with each other:

• the longitudinally extending air separation means are capable of channeling (guiding) the discharge air from the outlet of the heat exchange unit to the open side of the box;
• the air separation means are separate from the heat exchange unit and are placed in front of the outlet of said unit;
• the air separation means further comprise at least one air baffle which is designed to prevent air discharged from the outlet of the heat exchange unit being sucked in by the outside air inlet suction of said heat exchange unit; thus, the air separation means comprise a longitudinal extension portion and at least one air deflector associated with this portion;
• the system comprises an outer frame arranged opposite and remote from the open side of the box, said at least one baffle being fixed to said outer frame;
• the discharge duct is disposed between the outlet of the heat exchange unit and the at least one air deflector;
• the discharge duct has a discharge end and said at least one deflector extends at least partially around said outlet end of the discharge duct;
• the discharge duct is mounted on a said inner frame separate from the heat exchange unit and placed in front of the outlet of said unit;
• the box is attached to the inner frame;
• the discharge duct comprises two parts which are nested one inside the other;
• a first portion of the sheath is mounted on the inner frame and a second portion of the sheath is mounted on said at least one air deflector;
• the first part is engaged in the second part;
• said at least one air baffle is in the form of a plate whose inner peripheral edge is fixed to the second portion of the discharge sleeve and which extends transversely around said second portion so as to obstruct a portion of the side open box;
• the plate comprises an outer peripheral edge which is profiled so as to allow the plate to be attached to the outer frame, while leaving one or more zones open to the outside of the outer frame;
• the outer frame is closed by a grid allowing the bidirectional passage of air and behind which are arranged the air separation means;
• the box comprises a frame on which are reported, after setting up the heat exchange unit in the box, side walls, a bottom wall opposite the open side of said box, a ceiling wall, at least one of said walls being removable to allow access to the heat exchange unit;
• the two side walls of the box, in plan view, are each adjacent, on the one hand, to the open side of the box and, on the other hand, to the bottom wall of the box, said at least one heat exchanger of the heat exchange unit being disposed along two adjacent walls of said unit, the unit being arranged inside the box so that the two adjacent walls of said unit are arranged respectively vis-a-vis and remote from a first of the two side walls of the box and the bottom wall of the box, the unit being offset laterally so as to be closer to the second of the two side walls of the box that the first side wall;
• the system comprises one or more fixing elements and / or support of the box for fixing the box to another component of the system and / or the building and / or to support the box;
• the system comprises a box support on which said box is able to be placed and which comprises means for adjusting the height of said support; the box support is for example mounted on legs which each comprise two parts movable relative to each other so as to increase or reduce the height of said foot in the direction of movement of the two parts with respect to the other ;
• the heat exchange unit is able to rest on a plate (for example opposite the aforementioned ceiling wall of the box) and which comprises guide elements intended to guide said unit in a translation movement between one of the peripheral edges of the plate and a zone of the plate which corresponds to the zone of implantation of the unit in the box;
• the guide elements are guide rails;
• the heat exchange unit is able to rest on the plate by means of anti-vibration fasteners;
• the system comprises a liquid condensate recovery tank from said at least one heat exchanger and having at least one opening through which the liquid condensates are discharged;
• the system includes:
  • at least one thermostat which is able to measure the temperature of the air of the medium in which the tank is placed and to compare it with a set point which is representative of a risk of freezing of the liquid condensates,
  • at least one heating element which is able to heat at least one zone of said tank in the event of deicing said at least one heat exchanger and when the measured temperature of the medium air in which the tank is placed is lower than the set point ;
• the system comprises at least one additional air inlet in the box which is adapted to supply said box with stale air which is mixed in said box with the incoming outside air;
• said at least one air inlet is adapted to supply the box with stale air recovered in the building by a controlled mechanical ventilation installation;
• the system comprises, in addition to the heat exchange unit called the first heat exchange unit, a second heat exchange unit distinct and remote from the first unit, the second unit comprising a heat exchanger which is complementary to the heat exchanger of the first unit, namely a condenser if the exchanger of the first unit is an evaporator or vice versa.

• une unité d'échange thermique qui assure un échange thermique avec l'air extérieur à ladite unité et qui comporte au moins un échangeur thermique, à savoir un évaporateur ou un condenseur, dans lequel circule un fluide caloporteur à changement d'états, l'unité comportant une entrée pour l'air d'aspiration extérieur, une sortie pour l'air de refoulement et des moyens d'aspiration de l'air en entrée pour qu'il traverse ledit au moins un échangeur et soit refoulé à la sortie,
• un caisson dans lequel est logée l'unité d'échange thermique et qui est ouvert sur un de ses côtés faisant face à la sortie d'air de refoulement de l'unité d'échange thermique,

l'unité d'échange thermique étant apte à reposer sur une plaque qui comporte des éléments de guidage destinés à guider ladite unité dans un mouvement de translation entre un des bords périphériques de la plaque et une zone de la plaque qui correspond à la zone d'implantation de l'unité dans le caisson.According to another independent aspect, the subject of the invention is a system for cooling, air conditioning or heating a building based on the principle of the heat pump and which is of the type with separate heat exchange units in which, of on the one hand, the condenser and, on the other hand, the compressor, the evaporator and the expansion element are distributed in two distinct heat exchange units and at a distance from one another, characterized in that the system includes:

• a heat exchange unit which ensures a heat exchange with the air outside said unit and which comprises at least one heat exchanger, namely an evaporator or a condenser, in which circulates a coolant with a change of states, the unit comprising an inlet for the external suction air, an outlet for the discharge air and inlet air suction means for passing through said at least one exchanger and being discharged at the outlet,
• a box in which is housed the heat exchange unit and which is open on one of its sides facing the discharge air outlet of the heat exchange unit,

the heat exchange unit being able to rest on a plate which comprises guiding elements intended to guide said unit in a translation movement between one of the peripheral edges of the plate and a zone of the plate which corresponds to the zone d implantation of the unit in the box.

Such a system has the advantage of being able to easily install the heat exchange unit inside the box.

According to a possible characteristic, the box comprises two opposite peripheral edges, one said before, being located on the open side of the box and the other, said rear, located on the opposite side to the box, and the guide elements can move the heat exchange unit by a translational movement between the rear edge of the box and the area of implantation of the unit in the box.

Such a system has the advantage of being able to guide the heat exchange unit for its introduction in the box. It also allows, if necessary, to move the heat exchange unit of its implantation area (toward the rear edge of the box or another edge if the unit has been introduced into the box from this other edge) in a simple way, without disconnecting the connections / refrigerating connections between the refrigerant circuit and the heat exchange unit.

During tests or maintenance operations, for example, it may be necessary for the system to be running. The guiding elements for moving the heat exchange unit by a simple translational movement, the refrigerant connections can remain connected and thus be moved simultaneously with the heat exchange unit according to a given displacement amplitude within the caisson. The operations can thus be performed without interrupting the operation of the system.

• la plaque est disposée à l'intérieur du caisson, par exemple au-dessus d'une des faces du caisson formant le fond de ce dernier ;
• les éléments de guidage sont des rails de guidage ;
• l'unité d'échange thermique est apte à reposer sur la plaque par l'intermédiaire d'organes de fixation anti vibratiles ;
• le plafond du caisson (face du caisson opposée au fond) comprend une ouverture autorisant, d'une part, la traversée des liaisons frigorifiques raccordées à l'unité d'échange thermique et, d'autre part, la translation desdites liaisons dans l'ouverture simultanément avec le mouvement de translation de l'unité d'échange thermique ; lors de ce mouvement d'amplitude limitée (l'amplitude dépend des dimensions de l'ouverture), les liaisons frigorifiques peuvent rester connectées. Une telle ouverture peut également être utilisée pour mettre en place les liaisons frigorifiques une fois l'unité d'échange thermique introduite dans le caisson mais non encore installée dans sa position définitive (zone d'implantation) ;
• l'unité d'échange thermique est positionnée sur les éléments de guidage par l'intermédiaire de pieds de fixation ; l'unité d'échange thermique est par exemple placée dans une enceinte qui est positionnée sur des éléments de guidage ;
• le système comprend des moyens de séparation entre l'air de refoulement et l'air extérieur qui entre dans le caisson par le côté ouvert et qui est destiné à l'entrée d'air extérieur d'aspiration de l'unité d'échange thermique ; les éléments de guidage de la plaque permettent d'amener l'unité d'échange thermique contre les moyens de séparation d'air ;
• les moyens de séparation d'air s'étendent longitudinalement à partir de la sortie de l'unité d'échange thermique et en éloignement de celle-ci.

According to other possible characteristics taken separately or in combination with each other:

• the plate is disposed inside the box, for example above one of the faces of the box forming the bottom thereof;
• the guide elements are guide rails;
• the heat exchange unit is able to rest on the plate by means of anti-vibration fasteners;
• the ceiling of the box (face of the box opposite the bottom) comprises an opening allowing, on the one hand, the crossing of the refrigerant connections connected to the heat exchange unit and, on the other hand, the translation of said links in the opening simultaneously with the translational movement of the heat exchange unit; during this movement of limited amplitude (the amplitude depends on the dimensions of the opening), the refrigerant connections can remain connected. Such an opening can also be used to set up the refrigerant connections once the heat exchange unit introduced into the box but not yet installed in its final position (implantation area);
• the heat exchange unit is positioned on the guide elements by means of fixing feet; the heat exchange unit is for example placed in an enclosure which is positioned on guide elements;
• the system comprises means of separation between the discharge air and the outside air which enters the box by the open side and which is intended for the intake of external air suction of the heat exchange unit ; the guiding elements of the plate allow bringing the heat exchange unit against the air separation means;
• the air separation means extend longitudinally from the outlet of the heat exchange unit and away from it.

The system may further comprise one or more features described above in connection with the system according to the first aspect of the invention and, in particular, the features relating to the air separation means. All the advantages described above in connection with the system according to the first aspect of the invention also apply here.

• un caisson destiné à loger ladite unité d'échange thermique et qui est ouvert sur tout un côté,
• des moyens de séparation d'air qui sont disposés du côté ouvert du caisson et destinés à séparer ledit côté ouvert en au moins deux zones de passage d'air pour l'air entrant et sortant par ledit côté ouvert.

The subject of the invention is furthermore a structure for accommodating a heat exchange unit, for example a system as briefly described above, said structure being intended to accommodate such a heat exchange unit and comprises for this purpose:

• a box for housing said heat exchange unit and which is open on one side,
• air separation means which are disposed on the open side of the box and for separating said open side into at least two air passage areas for the incoming and outgoing air through said open side.

Such a structure may be provided and installed separately from the heat exchange unit and comprises means adapted to cooperate with said unit.

The air separation means are more particularly intended to separate, on the one hand, the air entering the box by the open side to supply the air inlet of said unit and, on the other hand, the air coming out from the open side and coming from the outlet of the unit (discharge air).

• les moyens de séparation d'air sont disposés en regard d'une partie seulement du côté ouvert du caisson et s'étendent longitudinalement à partir de ladite partie et en éloignement de celle-ci ; les moyens de séparation d'air laissent ainsi dégagée la partie restante du côté ouvert du caisson ;
• les moyens de séparation d'air sont aptes à canaliser longitudinalement l'air situé en regard de ladite partie du côté ouvert du caisson mais pas l'air situé en regard de la partie restante dudit côté ouvert du caisson. L'air situé en regard de la partie restante du côté ouvert du caisson (il s'agit généralement de l'air entrant dans le caisson) n'est donc pas canalisé à sa périphérie, ni par les moyens de séparation d'air ni par le caisson.

According to other possible characteristics taken separately or in combination:

• the air separation means are disposed facing only part of the open side of the box and extend longitudinally from and away from said portion; the air separation means thus leave open the remaining part of the open side of the box;
• the air separation means are adapted to longitudinally channel the air located opposite said portion of the open side of the box but not the air located opposite the remaining portion of said open side of the box. The air located opposite the remaining part of the open side of the box (this is generally the air entering the box) is therefore not channeled at its periphery, neither by the air separation means nor by the box.

It should be noted that all or some of the features mentioned above of the system can also be applied to the reception structure presented above insofar as these characteristics concerned concern the structure (eg deflector, sheath, outer frame, inner frame , box, box support, unit support plate, condensate drain pan, exhaust air collection ...) and not only the heat exchange unit.

The invention also relates to a building, characterized in that a system as briefly described above is installed in said building, the building comprising a wall delimiting the interior of the building from the outside and in which is arranged an opening communicating the interior and exterior of said building, the box being partially embedded in said opening or disposed against the wall so that the open side of the box is vis-à-vis the opening.

The partial embedding of the box in the opening reduces the bulk of the box in the room of the building where it is installed. This embedding also provides a mechanical support function to the box. When the air separation means of the system comprise two discharge duct parts nested one inside the other, this interlocking makes it possible to adapt to walls of different thicknesses by more or less penetrating a part into the duct. other.

Alternatively, when the box is disposed against the wall, the system as explained above (in relation to the two sheath portions nested one inside the other and the inner and outer frames) is for example fixed to the wall so that the outer frame is disposed against the outer face of the wall and the inner frame is disposed against the inner face of the wall. The interlocking of the two parts of the discharge duct into one another thus makes it possible to install said system on walls of different thicknesses.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale montrant l'implantation d'un système selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention à l'intérieur d'un bâtiment ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus montrant l'implantation de la première unité d'échange thermique dans le caisson de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la face avant de la première unité d'échange thermique ;
• la figure 4 est une vue agrandie de dessus montrant la paroi avant de la première unité d'échange thermique et la première partie de gaine de refoulement en regard;
• la figure 5 une vue schématique en perspective arrière du caisson de la figure 1 (sans certaines parois) intégrant la première unité d'échange thermique et encastré partiellement dans l'ouverture de paroi du bâtiment ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de la face avant ouverte du caisson et de la première partie de gaine de refoulement en regard;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale du caisson de la figure 5;
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale des parties de gaine mâle et femelle emboitées l'une dans l'autre ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective arrière agrandie du bac de récupération des condensats du caisson de la figure 5 sans la première unité d'échange thermique;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective arrière de la partie de gaine de refoulement fixée au déflecteur et au cadre extérieur à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de paroi;
• la figure 11 illustre, montés à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de paroi de la figure 10, le cadre intérieur et la partie de gaine de refoulement y fixée ;
• la figure 12 est une vue de la face avant du déflecteur fixé à la partie de gaine de refoulement à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de paroi ;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective éclatée de l'ensemble des composants du système selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 14a et 14b sont des vues en perspective montrant l'adaptabilité du système à des parois de bâtiment d'épaisseurs différentes ;
• la figure 15 représente une vue schématique en perspective arrière du caisson de la figure 1 en appui sur un support selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 16 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un ensemble formé par la première unité d'échange thermique et par la plaque de récupération des condensats située en dessous ;
• la figure 17 est une vue en coupe transversale agrandie de la plaque de la figure 16;
• la figure 18 est une vue en perspective avant de la plaque des figures 16 et 17 sans la première unité d'échange thermique ;
• la figure 19 est une vue en perspective arrière de la plaque de la figure 18 avec la première unité d'échange thermique partiellement représentée ;
• la figure 20 est une vue schématique d'implantation d'un système de gestion de la récupération et de l'évacuation des condensats ;
• la figure 21 est une vue schématique en perspective arrière du caisson montrant la mobilité de l'unité d'échange thermique sur une plaque du caisson selon une variante de réalisation.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a general view showing the implementation of a system according to one embodiment of the invention inside a building;
• the figure 2 is a view from above showing the location of the first heat exchange unit in the box of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the front face of the first heat exchange unit;
• the figure 4 is an enlarged view from above showing the front wall of the first heat exchange unit and the first discharge duct portion facing each other;
• the figure 5 a schematic view in rear perspective of the box of the figure 1 (without some walls) incorporating the first heat exchange unit and partially embedded in the wall opening of the building;
• the figure 6 is a perspective view of the open front face of the box and the first portion of the delivery duct opposite;
• the figure 7 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the box of the figure 5 ;
• the figure 8 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the male and female sheath parts nested one inside the other;
• the figure 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the condensate drain pan figure 5 without the first heat exchange unit;
• the figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the discharge duct portion attached to the baffle and outer frame within the wall opening;
• the figure 11 illustrated, mounted inside the wall opening of the figure 10 , the inner frame and the discharge sheath portion attached thereto;
• the figure 12 is a view of the front face of the deflector attached to the discharge sheath portion within the wall opening;
• the figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of all components of the system according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the Figures 14a and 14b are perspective views showing the adaptability of the system to building walls of different thicknesses;
• the figure 15 represents a schematic rear perspective view of the box of the figure 1 supported on a support according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 16 is a partial sectional view of an assembly formed by the first heat exchange unit and by the condensate recovery plate located below;
• the figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plate of the figure 16 ;
• the figure 18 is a perspective view before the plate of Figures 16 and 17 without the first heat exchange unit;
• the figure 19 is a rear perspective view of the plate from the figure 18 with the first heat exchange unit partially shown;
• the figure 20 is a schematic view of the implementation of a management system for the recovery and evacuation of condensates;
• the figure 21 is a schematic rear perspective view of the box showing the mobility of the heat exchange unit on a plate of the box according to an alternative embodiment.

As represented in figure 1 and designated by the general reference denoted 10, a building such as a dwelling comprises several rooms or premises of which only two, referenced 12, 14, are represented.

A heating system 20 according to one embodiment of the invention is installed in the building. This system is based on the principle of the heat pump and is of the type with separate heat exchange units (also known as "split" technology in English terminology).

The system 20 thus comprises a first heat exchange unit 22 (visible on the figure 2 ) which is installed in the unheated room 12 and which comprises a compressor, an evaporator, and an expansion member.

This first unit is enclosed inside a box 24 which is only visible on the figure 1 .

The system also comprises a second heat exchange unit 26 installed in the room 14 which is heated, for example, by means of a heating floor 28. The second unit 26 comprises for example a condenser (not shown) and a regulating equipment with organs dedicated to the control of the heating system and to the management of climatic comfort of the habitat. The condenser is used to heat the water circulating in the pipes 30 which supply the pipes of the underfloor heating 28.

According to a variant not shown, one or more other "second" heat exchange units 26 may be installed in other premises or parts of the building (technology "multi-split" in English terminology).

As shown on the figure 1 , the first heat exchange unit 22 is connected to the second 26 by refrigerating links 32 conveying the heat transfer fluid with state change which is used in the refrigerant circuit.

• un échangeur thermique de type évaporateur 32 qui peut avoir, en vue de dessus, une forme générale de L (fig.2) ou une forme rectiligne et dans lequel circule le fluide caloporteur précité,
• un ventilateur 34 qui a pour fonction d'aspirer l'air d'entrée dans l'enceinte 23 de l'unité 22 pour lui faire traverser l'échangeur 32 et le refouler à la sortie de l'enceinte 23,
• un organe de détente 36 disposé en amont de l'évaporateur 32 et qui permet au fluide caloporteur d'entrer dans l'évaporateur à basse pression et basse température,
• un compresseur 38 disposé en sortie de l'évaporateur 32 qui augmente la pression et la température du fluide à l'état gazeux. L'organe 36 et le compresseur 38 ne sont pas individualisés mais représentés dans un seul et même bloc.

The first heat exchange unit 22 is illustrated in plan view schematically at the figure 2 and comprises, within an enclosure 23, the main components of this unit, namely:

• an evaporator-type heat exchanger 32 which may have, in plan view, a general shape of L ( fig.2 ) or a rectilinear form and in which circulates the aforementioned heat transfer fluid,
• a fan 34 which has the function of sucking the inlet air into the enclosure 23 of the unit 22 to make it pass through the exchanger 32 and discharge it at the outlet of the enclosure 23,
• an expansion member 36 disposed upstream of the evaporator 32 and which allows the coolant to enter the evaporator at low pressure and low temperature,
• a compressor 38 disposed at the outlet of the evaporator 32 which increases the pressure and the temperature of the fluid in the gaseous state. The member 36 and the compressor 38 are not individualized but represented in one and the same block.

As shown on the figure 2 , the enclosure 23 comprises, in top view, four walls 23a-d and a base wall 23e. The enclosure also comprises a top wall 23f not visible in this figure but visible on the figure 3 .

The two adjacent walls 23a, 23b (forming a corner of the enclosure) are perforated (provided with grids) so as to allow the entry of lateral and rear air into the chamber 23, as illustrated by the respective arrows A1 and A2. The air inlet is effected by the effect of the suction means 34 so that this air passes through the evaporator 32 and carries with it a heat exchange (evaporation of the internal heat transfer fluid to the evaporator and cooling sucked air).

The other two adjacent walls 23c, 23d form an opposite corner of the enclosure. The wall 23d, called the front wall, is opposite to the rear wall 23b of air inlet and is pierced with a through opening 40 visible on the figure 3 and vis-à-vis which is positioned the fan 34. The air having passed through the evaporator 32 is then discharged by this opening 40 which constitutes a discharge air outlet for the heat exchange unit 22.

The peripheral zone or ferrule 40a bordering this opening has a generally frustoconical shape whose flare is directed towards the outside of the enclosure, in the direction of the forced air A3 ( figure 4 ).

This type of heat exchange unit is conventionally implanted outside the buildings and, for this purpose, the opening 40 is normally closed by a grid.

In the context of the present invention, this grid has been removed and the heat exchange unit 22 is placed in the building, inside the box 24.

This type of heat exchange unit is for example the one found in heat pumps marketed by Atlantic under the commercial reference "Alfea Extensa + 6".

The figure 5 illustrates (view from the rear of the box) the first heat exchange unit 22 housed inside the box 24, some of the walls have been removed for the sake of visibility.

On the figure 2 the two opposite side walls 24a, 24b of the box have been shown in dotted lines, as well as the bottom wall 24c.

As illustrated on figures 2 , 5 and 6 , the box 24 is open on its entire front face (defined laterally by the opposite walls 24a and 24b), on the side of the box which is opposite the bottom wall 24c. The first unit 22 is disposed opposite the opening 24e of the front face of the box, the outlet opening 40 of the discharged air A3 facing the front opening 24e of the box.

The unit 22 is shifted laterally inside the box so as to leave more space between the side wall 23a of the unit and the side wall 24a of the box and between the side wall 23c of the unit and the opposite side wall 24b of the box.

Thus, the unit 22 is offset relative to the opening 24e so as to come tangent to the side wall 24b, thus leaving a lateral passage behind the opening 24e, between the side wall 24a and the wall 23a of the enclosure 23.

This arrangement promotes the entry of air outside the building (symbolized by the arrow A0 on the figure 2 ) in the box, on the side where the unit has an air inlet.

Similarly, the unit 22 is spaced from the bottom wall 24c of the box and is close to the opening 24e to leave sufficient space for the supply of air at the input of the unit 22 by the rear wall 23b.

As shown on figures 5 and 7 (Very schematic figure), the wall 11 of the building is pierced with a through opening said wall 13 which communicates the interior and exterior of the building. The opening 13 extends along a longitudinal dimension called depth being delimited at its periphery by longitudinal wall portions 13a-d visible on the figure 10 (This figure shows part of the system according to the invention installed in the opening 13).

The box 24 has transverse dimensions corresponding to those of the wall opening 13 and is thus partially embedded inside this opening 13 (on a part of the depth of the opening 13) so that the opening 24e of the box is vis-à-vis said opening 13 and communicates therewith. This allows full benefit of the outside air supply to the building inside the box.

The caisson 24 comprises a framework consisting of several vertical and horizontal uprights (crosspieces and longitudinal members) assembled together and which form the edges of the caisson ( figure 5 ).

The walls 24a-c and a ceiling wall 24f ( figures 1 and 5 ) are reported and fixed on these amounts in order to close the box on all of these faces.

Note that in this example at least two walls, the walls 24b and 24c, are removably mounted to be able to install the heat exchange unit 22 in the box and also for be able to access the inside of the box if necessary (ex: maintenance). The walls or panels closing the box are thermally insulated to limit thermal losses.

The box 24 also comprises a bottom wall or base 41, for example metal, on which is positioned a plate 42 which will be described later ( figure 9 ). The unit 22 rests on guide elements 44, 46, for example two in number ( figures 5 , 18 and 19 ). This is for example two parallel rails which are respectively mounted inside two indentations dug in the thickness of the plate from an edge which is disposed on the side of the bottom wall of the box to the opposite edge disposed on the open side of the box.

Each rail 44, 46 is itself mounted ( figure 18 ) on antivibration fixing members 43 of anti-vibratile stud type (also known by the term "silent block" in English terminology) for example four in number, which are fixed to the base 41.

The arrangement of these parallel rails makes it possible to position the feet of the unit 22 and to slide them in a translation movement until said unit reaches its implantation area adjacent to the opening 24 and illustrated on figures 2 and 8 . Thanks to the damping mounting of the enclosure 23 of the unit 22 on the rails 44, 46 which are fixed to the members 43, the transmission of vibrations from the enclosure to the base is greatly limited (reduction of the noise level).

The system 20 also comprises means for separating air between the discharge air A3 ( figure 2 ) and A0 air from outside the building and entering the box to supply the air inlet of the unit 22.

The air separation means 70 (illustrated schematically on the figure 7 ) extend longitudinally from the outlet 40 of the unit 22 and away from it. The longitudinal axis is considered as the axis that extends between the outlet air outlet of the heat exchange unit and the open side of the box, perpendicularly, on the one hand, on the face of the heat exchange unit in which is arranged the air outlet and, on the other hand, on the open side of the box. As shown schematically in an assembled fashion on the figure 8 , the means 70 comprise two distinct parts which are nestable one inside the other along a length of interlocking or penetration more or less large so as to vary the total length (extension along the longitudinal axis X) of the two nested parts.

These means 70 take for example the form of a discharge sheath comprising a male sheath portion 72 (first portion) and a female sheath portion 90 (second portion) which are separately shown respectively on the figures 6 and 10 .

As shown on the figure 6 , the male sheath portion 72 is mounted on a base 74 (of transverse extension) which is fixed between two vertical uprights 76, 78, via axial returns 75a, 75b. The uprights 76, 78 are both attached to the horizontal high and low amounts 80 and 82 of an inner frame 79 which defines the outer periphery of the opening 24e of the box. The frame 79 comprises a frame formed of four uprights, two horizontal 80, 82 connected to two verticals 83, 84 and which each extend axially (along the longitudinal axis of extension of the air separation means 70). The frame 79 also includes a peripheral flange 85 which extends transversely around the frame at one of its two longitudinal ends. As represented in figures 5 , 11 and 13 , the frame is intended to engage inside the opening 13 and to fit against the longitudinal wall portions 13a-d defining it. The flange 85 is supported on the inner face of the wall 11 which is oriented towards the interior of the part and, more particularly, against a peripheral zone of this face which borders the opening 13. Fixing members such as screws allow to fix the frame 79 to the inner face of the wall 11. The box 24 is embedded partially inside the frame as shown on the Figures 5 and 6 . The male sheath portion 72 has, for example, a shape cylindrical general and a circular passage section. The male sheath portion has a first end 72a connected to the base 74 and a second free opposite end 72b which is intended to cooperate with the female sheath portion 90 shown in FIG. figure 10 .

As illustrated on the figure 6 , the unit 22 is positioned inside the box, against the base 74, so that the air outlet outlet opening 40 of the unit is opposite the internal passage section of the unit. the male sheath portion 72. The unit 22, however, remains distinct and independent of the base and the male sheath portion 72.

A seal 84 is interposed between the base 74 and the zone of the wall 23d of the unit 22 which surrounds the opening 40 ( figure 13 ).

As illustrated on the figure 10 , the female sheath portion 90 has for example a generally cylindrical shape and a circular passage section. The female sheath portion 90 has a first free end 90a that can be flared in configurations to facilitate the introduction of the second free end 72b ( figure 6 ) in this one.

The female sheath portion 90 has a second open end 90b end around which is connected an air deflector 92 by its inner peripheral edge 92a.

The deflector 92 visible on the side of its front face in figure 12 takes the form of a plate that surrounds the second end 90b. The plate extends transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension of the female sheath portion 90 so as to join an outer frame 94 to which said plate is fixed by its outer peripheral edge 92b. The deflector plate 92 has a generally flange-like shape which is enlarged on two opposite lateral sides so as to be laterally fixed by returns ( figure 10 ) to two vertical uprights 94a, 94b of the outer frame 94. The plate 92 is also fixed by its lower edge to the lower horizontal upright 94c of the frame ( figures 10 and 12 ).

The outer peripheral edge 92b of the plate is thus shaped so as to allow attachment to the frame, while leaving unobstructed several zones for the passage of the outside air through the opening 13 of the wall and its entry into the box by the open side of it.

More particularly, the plate 92 is cut in such a manner as to disengage two lower air inlet passage zones Z1 and Z2 and a large upper air intake zone Z3 ( figures 10 and 12 ).

The plate 92 thus makes it possible to separate, on the one hand, the air A3 discharged through the outlet 40 of the heat exchange unit 22 and channeled by the discharge duct, the two parts 72 and 90 of which are nested with one another. in the other (as on the figure 8 ) to its open end 90b and, on the other hand, the outside air entering through the opening 13 of the wall. It is thus avoided that the repressed air is re-sucked with the outside air entering through the plate 92.

Note with reference to the figure 4 (In this figure, the position of the male sheath portion 72 in front of the outlet opening 40 of the heat exchange unit 22) is shown in dotted lines, for example, the first end 72a of the male sheath portion is positioned. in correspondence with the inner peripheral edge 40a1 of reduced diameter of the opening 40 (inner diameter of the ferrule 40a) and not with the outer peripheral edge of enlarged diameter (external diameter of the ferrule 40a).

Thus, by preventing the passage section from increasing, the discharge air A3 retains a high speed in the discharge duct and at its open end. This discharge air outlet speed also helps to prevent the discharge air from being sucked back into the system inlet.

As already mentioned, the second end 72b of the male sheath portion 72 is engaged in the first end 90a of the female sheath portion 90 ( figure 8 ).

This arrangement prevents drops of condensate that could be projected by the fan 34 from escaping through the gap between the two nested sheath portions.

In addition, this arrangement reduces the pressure drops and is more aesthetic than the reverse arrangement (sheath portion 90 engaged in the sheath portion 72).

However, the reverse arrangement is quite possible as an alternative.

As shown on figures 10 and 12 the outer frame 94 to which the deflector 92 and the sheath portion 90 are attached is mounted in the opening 13 and secured to the wall 11 (from the interior of the building for safety reasons).

As illustrated on figures 5 , 7 and 10 , the outer frame 94 is closed by a grid 100 which extends in a transverse plane. This grid 100 mainly ensures the bidirectional passage of air through it. This grid also provides the functions of aesthetic dressing of the opening 13 wall, prohibition of passage to people and animals and protection vis-à-vis rainwater. The outer frame 94 and the grid 100 may be flush mounted with respect to the outer face of the wall 11 or recessed in the wall opening 13 ( Figs. 10 and 12 ).

On the figure 11 , the frame of the outer frame 79 has been introduced into the opening 13 and fixed to the wall 11 by means of its flange 85 and associated fixing means.

The two sheath portions 72 and 90 have been nested one inside the other (as on the figure 8 ) so that the length of the discharge duct thus formed which extends inside the opening 13 adapts to the thickness of the wall 11.

The inner frame 79 carries two parallel horizontal arms 95, 96 ( Fig. 11 ) which extend longitudinally away from the flange 85 to which they are attached (towards the interior of the building room). These arms 95, 96 form main support elements for the caisson 24, part of which is intended to rest on it in the installed position ( fig.5 ), another part of the box being supported on the frame by its embedding inside thereof. The casing is also attached to the upper horizontal upright of the inner frame 79 ( Fig. 5 ) by via two inclined fixing arms B1, B2 which also contribute to supporting the box.

The figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the various components of the system in this embodiment and their order of assembly relative to each other: the deflector 92 and the female sheath portion 90 fixed to the outer frame, the male sheath portion 72 attached to the inner frame 79 and the box 24 which encloses the heat exchange unit 22.

The Figures 14a and 14b illustrate the adaptation of the system according to the embodiment of the invention, through the telescopic discharge sleeve described above, to walls 11a, 11b of varying thicknesses. The extension length is thus greater for a thin wall 11a (eg 150 mm) than for a thick wall 11b (eg 360 mm). On the figure 14a , the frame 94 is mounted flush with respect to the wall 11a and the horizontal flange 97a secured to the frame and which rests on the lower horizontal wall of the opening 13 is short. On the figure 14b the frame 94 is recessed in the opening 13 and the horizontal edge 97b of the outer frame is longer. The horizontal flanges 97a and 97b are drips that allow the rainwater to be discharged (as well as the liquid condensates following an obstruction of the condensate pan of the figure 9 which will be described later) without causing drips on the walls.

Note the telescopic air separation means that have just been described can also be applied to other types of cooling systems, air conditioning or heating a building such as "monoblock" systems in which all components of the refrigerant circuit (evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion element) are all housed in the same box or box. This makes it possible to adapt to thicknesses of different walls or walls and to position the box or box as close as possible to the wall (reduced space in the room where the box or cabinet is installed).

The figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the box 24 rests on a box support 50 and is disposed against the wall 11 with the open face 24e of the box facing the opening 13. The box is no longer partially embedded in the opening. In this variant the elements of the aforementioned embodiment remain unchanged and retain the same references. The support 50 comprises an upper frame 52 mounted on four legs 54, 56, 58, 60 which are two by two reinforced by transverse bars at the bottom and at mid-height.

Each foot comprises two elongate parts such as the portions 56a, 56b of the foot 56, which are movable relative to each other by sliding along their length. Each portion has a plurality of orifices disposed one above the other, which are matched two by two between the two respective portions at the desired height.

Locking members are inserted into two orifices corresponding to the two respective parts for locking in translation of the two parts to the desired height.

The two moving parts of each leg of the support 50 form means for adjusting the height of the box which make it possible to adapt this height to that of the lower part of the wall opening 13.

The upper frame 52 comprises on its two opposite lateral sides two parallel elongate guide elements (only one referenced 52a is shown) which each form a flange.

These guide elements guide the box 24 on the upper frame 52 to its final installed position.

Note that other fixing means and / or support of the box are possible according to other variants not shown.

We will now describe with reference to figures 2 , 9 and 16 to 20 the management of the recovery and evacuation of condensates from the evaporator 32.

The plate 42 on which is implanted the first heat exchange unit 22 forms a liquid condensate recovery tank generated by said heat exchanger 32.

A channel 110 is hollowed out in the thickness of the plate and extends longitudinally in a form substantially corresponding to the general shape of the exchanger 32 projected on the plate (in top view). In this embodiment the channel has a general L shape in top view. However, this shape can be adapted to that of the exchanger 32.

The bottom of this channel 110 is inclined (in the longitudinal direction of extension of the channel) so as to direct gravity liquid condensates collected by the channel to a through opening 112 of condensate discharge which is practiced in the bottom of the at one end of it (see the vertical axial section of the figure 16 ; in this figure only the main elements of the system have been represented, the other elements have not been represented for the sake of clarity). A discharge tube 113 may be inserted into the through opening 112 to guide the flow of liquid condensates downward below the plate 42.

The plate 42 has an upper face 42a which is also arranged sloping towards the channel 110 (in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of the channel) to facilitate the flow of condensate (see the vertical cross section of the figure 17 ). The channel 110 thus forms a recess in the thickness of the plate 42 and which has at the bottom a central groove 114. This groove 114 is hollowed in the bottom of the channel 110 so as to constitute the lowest point thereof. .

The channel 110 is delimited by two lateral faces 110a, 110b which extend from the upper face 42a inclined towards the bottom. As shown on the figure 17 the two faces 110a, 110b are inclined, each forming a double slope, namely a first slope formed by a first inclined section P1 and a second slope softer than the first, formed by a second inclined portion P2, to join the central groove 114. Alternatively, the two side faces 110a, 110b join the central groove 114 forming a rounded (without breaking angle between two sides consecutive inclined).

The channel 110 comprises a first portion 110c corresponding to the longest of the two branches of the L which extends from the opening 112 located at a first edge 42b of the plate to the end of the second branch 110d (second part of channel) of L.

The second channel part 110d or second branch forms a bend from the end of the first part 110c and extends to a second edge 42c of the plate adjacent to the first edge 42b.

A heating element 120 is disposed inside the central groove 114 of the trough ( Figs. 16 and 17 ) and extends along almost the entire length of the channel.

This elongated heating element 120 is for example a heating wire.

As illustrated on the figure 17 a strip of heat sink material 122 such as a metal strip, for example aluminum, is placed at the bottom of the channel, over the groove 114 housing the heating element 120 (on the figures 9 , 16 , 18 and 19 the band 122 is not shown for the sake of clarity) over all or part of the width of the channel. This band 122 which is highly conductive thermal quickly dissipates the heat produced by the heating element it covers when it is activated and generates heat.

Note that placing the heating element 120 at the bottom of the groove 114 which is arranged at a lower dimension than the bottom of the channel and covering the upper opening of the groove by the band 122 ensures that liquid condensates will not stagnate around the heating element. A phenomenon of stagnation could produce if the heating element was directly arranged on the flat or inclined bottom of the channel, in its most concave part.

By way of example, the heating wire dissipates 50 W / m and the strip has a width of 50 mm and a thickness of less than 2 mm and, preferably, less than 1 mm, and for example equal to 0.3 mm. . The thickness is chosen as low as possible in order to minimize the thermal capacity of the strip.

The plate 42, for its part, is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to promote the evacuation of the heat generated by the heating element on the side of the dissipative band 122.

The material constituting the plate is, for example, polystyrene, more particularly of the film-coated type, or even another sealed cellular plastic material with low thermal effusivity (<100 Jm ^-2 .K ^-1 .s ^-1/2 ) and adapted to this use.

For example, the metal strip is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 10 W / m ° C., while the material of the plate has a coefficient of thermal conductivity of less than 0.1. W / m. ° C.

It will be noted that the rupture of slope between the two inclined faces P1 and P2 serves as a reference for the positioning of the band 122 at the bottom of the channel 110.

The width along which the band of heat sink material 122 extends may vary depending on its thickness. The objective being to minimize the thermal capacity of the band and therefore its volume, a very thin band (less than 0.5 mm) can easily cover the whole width of the channel (greater than 100 mm wide) without there is too much impact on energy consumption.

As shown schematically on figures 2 and 16 , the enclosure 23 enclosing the heat exchange unit 22 comprises a base 23e which is pierced with a plurality of through orifices 124 arranged at the base of the first channel portion 110c and under the exchanger 32.

These orifices 124 make it possible to evacuate from the enclosure 23 of the heat exchange unit the condensates which have formed in solid form (ice) on the exchanger 32 and which are then collected gravitarily in liquid form in the channel 110 after defrosting the exchanger.

Alternatively, the base 23e may have only one orifice in line with the channel or a small number of orifices relative to that illustrated in the figures.

As shown on the figure 9 , two indentations 42d, 42e, parallel to each other and perpendicularly crossing the portion 110c of the trough, are arranged in the thickness of the plate 42. These indentations accommodate the respective guide rails 44, 46 of the unit 22 ( Fig. 19 ). Two housings or cavities of vertical extension, respectively denoted 42d1, 42d2 and 42e1, 42e2, are arranged at the two opposite ends of each imprint 42d and 42e.

The figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of the plate 42 on the edge side 42c. The two rails 44, 46 extend within the two respective indentations 42e and 42d and each have two free ends curved so as to engage the respective opposite recesses of each imprint. At the bottom of each cavity one of the abovementioned damping members 43 is disposed and the corresponding curved free end of the rail is mounted on this member. On the figure 18 only two members 43 are respectively represented at the bottom of the cavities 42d2 and 42e2 and the curved ends 44a and 46a of the rails 44 and 46 are respectively fixed on the corresponding members.

The figure 19 illustrates the enclosure 23 of the unit 22 positioned on the rails 44 and 46 by means of mounting feet of which only two, 126 and 128, are shown. The enclosure of the figure 4 is in the position of implantation of the enclosure of the figure 19 . The enclosure was put in place by sliding the feet to the upper part of the rails, along them to the stop position in abutment.

It will be noted that an overflow device 130 ( figures 8 and 18 ) is arranged on the plate 42 and communicates with the channel 110 so as to evacuate an excess of liquid condensates from the channel (in the case where the opening 112 is no longer sufficient for evacuation). Such a device comprises a channel 132 which extends transversely to the channel from the area of the channel which is close to the opening 112 and towards an edge of the plate, for example, the edge 42c. The channel is dug from the upper face 42a of the plate. This device 130 discharges an overflow of liquid through the opening 13 and thus outside the building.

The figure 20 illustrates the principle of a system for managing the recovery and evacuation of condensates from an exchanger such as the evaporator 32.

The system comprises the heating wire 120 which has an electrical resistance and forms an electrical circuit (connected to a phase and neutral) open in two places of the circuit: a first place where is located a thermostat 140 inside the box 24 ( in the room 12) and a second location where a contactor 142 is located in the second heat exchange unit 26 (in the room 14). Note that the thermostat 140 is located in the portion 110d of the channel, adjacent to the edge 42c of the plate.

As illustrated on the figure 20 the heating wire forms a loop inside the heating element casing at the thermostat 140. The heating wire 120 is electrically powered by the same energy source as used for the unit 22.

The thermostat 140 and the switch 142 are connected in series in the circuit so that the electric current can flow through the electrical resistance of the heating wire only if both of these elements are closed.

The switch 142 is connected to an electronic card 144 which controls the control portion of the heat pump system. The electronic card 144 relays the defrosting information produced so known and for example automatic by reversing the cycle of the evaporator 32 of the first unit 22.

Thus, when the defrosting of the evaporator is about to occur (or in progress), a corresponding defrosting information is sent by the card 144 in the contactor 142, which causes the closing of the circuit at the contactor.

Furthermore, the thermostat 140 measures the temperature of the medium air in which the tank 42 is located (especially where the air is in contact with the tank) and compares it with a set value which is adjusted. so that the thermostat switch closes when the measured air temperature is low enough to risk condensate freezing in the tank. In general, the set temperature is chosen to be close to the solidification temperature of the condensates. Such a set temperature is for example less than 5 ° C.

Therefore, when the defrosting of the evaporator is controlled (automatically or not) and the temperature of the air in contact with the tank is sufficiently low, the electrical circuit of the figure 20 is closed. This allows the establishment of an electric current in the heating wire 120 and thus the generation of heat in the central groove 114 and in the bottom of the channel through the dissipating band 122. The condensates that fall into liquid form in the channel (following the defrosting of the exchanger) and are in contact with the band 122 dissipating the heat generated by the heating element 120 are thus maintained at a temperature sufficient to avoid any risk of freezing condensate. The temperature must be sufficient so that the condensates remain in liquid form and can thus be removed by drainage (economically) but it must not be too high so as not to consume energy unnecessarily. The liquid condensates collected in the channel are evacuated gravity by flowing along it to the opening 112 passing through the plate 42.

Thus, the operation of the heating element is controlled, on the one hand, the defrosting of the heat exchanger 32 and, on the other hand, the temperature of the air surrounding the heating element.

Such a design makes it possible to save on the consumption of electrical energy since it is heated only when the risks of condensate freezing in the tank are proven. In addition, the heating is adapted to maintain just the condensates in the liquid state (energy consumption of the system minimized).

Moreover, the heated zone has a relatively small area compared to the entire surface of the plate 42. This localized heating (due in particular to the use of a heating wire) also contributes to reducing the consumption of electrical energy. compared to a situation where almost all of the area of the plate 42 condensate recovery would be heated.

It should be noted that the aforementioned system for managing the recovery and evacuation of condensates is particularly simple in design since, apart from the electronics required for defrosting the exchanger, no other electronics are necessary and only one thermostat is used. No signal processing from different sensors is needed to implement this system.

Alternatively, the transverse profile of the channel, its width, its longitudinal extension shape, the shape of the central groove may vary depending on the needs and application, particularly depending on the layout and shape of the exchangers from which it is appropriate to recover and evacuate the liquid condensates.

Depending on the application the number of channels that are able to be heated can also vary and, for example, the number of heating elements (one per channel).

The system may comprise more than one through opening 112 according to the needs and / or the configuration of the exchanger (s) and the tray.

As a variant, certain elements of the aforementioned circuit (such as the contactor 142) may be arranged elsewhere than in the second heat exchange unit 26 or in the vicinity of the latter and, for example, example, in the first heat exchange unit 22 or in the vicinity of the latter.

As a variant, certain elements of the aforementioned circuit (such as the contactor 142) may be arranged elsewhere than in the second heat exchange unit 26 or in the vicinity of the latter and, for example, in the first heat exchange unit 22 or near the latter.

It will be noted that the innovative aspect which has just been described is not limited to the mode which has been described with reference to the Figures 1 to 15 (with the first heat exchange unit 22 in a box 24).

This aspect can indeed be applied to any cooling system, air conditioning or heating having a device (ex: tray) condensate recovery and heating element (s) of the device.

The figure 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system of Figures 5, 6 , 13 and 15 in which the heat exchange unit 22 rests on the plate 42 comprising guide elements 44 and 46. These guide elements make it possible to move the heat exchange unit 22 by a translation movement between the rear edge 150 of the heat exchange unit 22. box and the area where the unit is located in the box.

An opening 152 extends parallel to the guide elements and therefore to the translation (sliding) direction of the unit 22. The opening is enlarged relative to the opening of the preceding figures and has a generally elongated shape, for example rectangular. As for the embodiment of the preceding figures, once the unit 22 is positioned in its implantation zone (final working position), a plate or cover 156 closes the opening so that the box is sealed against on the inside of the building.

Such a system has the advantage of being able to guide the heat exchange unit for its introduction in the box. This system also makes it possible to move the heat exchange unit from its implantation area to the edge of the box through which the unit has been introduced in the box in a simple manner, without disconnecting the refrigerant connections 154 connected to the heat exchange unit 22. The opening 152 arranged in the ceiling of the box 24f allows the crossing of the refrigerant connections 154 and their translation in the opening simultaneously with the translational movement of the heat exchange unit, whatever the direction of this movement. Thus, it is for example possible to carry out tests or maintenance operations on the heat exchange unit without disconnecting the refrigerant connections 154 and, therefore, without interrupting the operation of the system. The opening 152 can also be used to set up the refrigerant connections of the refrigerant circuit (to which the heat exchange unit 26 is connected) and connect them to the heat exchange unit 22 once the latter has been introduced into the box 24 but not yet installed in its final position (implantation area).

Although the guiding of the heat exchange unit with respect to the plate has always been described above in a system comprising air separation means, it will be noted that according to an independent aspect of the invention, the means air separation may be omitted.

Claims (12)

1. A system (20) for cooling, air conditioning or heating a building (10) based on the principle of the heat pump using air as outside source and which is of the type with separate heat exchange units in which, on the one hand, the compressor, the expansion member and the exchanger in which the outside air circulates, and on the other hand, the second exchanger are distributed in two separate heat exchange units (22, 26) and are remote from one another, the system including:

   - a heat exchange unit (22) that provides a heat exchange with the air outside said unit and that comprises at least one heat exchanger (32), i.e., an evaporator or a condenser, in which a state change heat transfer fluid circulates, the unit comprising an inlet for the outside intake air, an outlet (40) for the discharge air and suction means (34) for the inlet air so that it passes through said at least one exchanger and is discharged at the outlet,

   - a casing (24) in which the heat exchange unit (22) is housed and which is open on one of its sides (24e) facing the discharge air outlet (40) of the heat exchange unit,

   - separating means (70) between the discharge air and the outside air that enter the casing by the open side (24e) and that are intended for the outside intake air inlet of the heat exchange unit, said air separating means extending longitudinally from the outlet (40) of the heat exchange unit and moving away from it, characterized in that said air separating means:

   • are configured in a telescoping manner so as to vary their longitudinal extension and/or

   include a discharge sheath that is arranged across from the outlet (40) of the heat exchange unit (22).
2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the air separating means (70) further include at least one air deflector (92) that is designed to prevent the air discharged through the outlet (40) of the heat exchange unit from being aspirated through the outside intake air inlet of said heat exchange unit.
3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes an outer frame (94) arranged across and at a distance from the open side (24e) of the casing (24), said at least one deflector (92) being fastened to said outer frame.
4. The system according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the discharge sheath is arranged between the outlet (40) of the heat exchange unit (22) and said at least one air deflector (92).
5. The system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the discharge sheath (72, 90) comprises an emerging end (90b) and said at least one deflector (92) extends at least partially around said emerging end of the discharge sheath.
6. The system according to one of claims 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that the discharge sheath (72, 90) is mounted on a so-called inner frame (79) separate from the heat exchange unit (22) and placed in front of the outlet (40) of said unit.
7. The system according to one of claims 1 or 4 to 6, characterized in that the discharge sheath includes two parts (72, 90) that are fitted in one another.
8. The system according to one of claims 2, 3, 5 and according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that a first part (72) of the sheath is mounted on the inner frame (79) and a second part (90) of the sheath is mounted on said at least one air deflector (92).
9. The system according to claim 3 or according to one of claims 4 to 8 when they depend on claim 3, characterized in that the outer frame (94) is closed by a grate (100) allowing the two-way passage of air and behind which the air separating means (70) are arranged.
10. The system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heat exchange unit (22) is able to rest on a plate (42) that comprises guide elements (44, 46) intended to guide said unit in a translational movement between one of the peripheral edges of the plate and a zone of the plate that corresponds to the implantation zone of the unit in the casing.
11. The system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it includes, in addition to the heat exchange unit (22) called first heat exchange unit, a second heat exchange unit (26) separate and remote from the first unit, the second unit including a heat exchanger that is complementary to the heat exchanger of the first unit, namely a condenser if the exchanger of the first unit is an evaporator or vice versa.
12. A building (10), characterized in that a system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is installed in said building, the building including a wall (11) delimiting the inside of the building from the outside and in which an opening (13) is arranged placing the inside and the outside of said building in communication, the casing (24) being partially embedded in said opening (13) or arranged against the wall (11) such that the open side (24e) of the casing is across from the opening.

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