EP3204695A1 - A heat exchange system - Google Patents

A heat exchange system

Info

Publication number
EP3204695A1
EP3204695A1 EP15848943.5A EP15848943A EP3204695A1 EP 3204695 A1 EP3204695 A1 EP 3204695A1 EP 15848943 A EP15848943 A EP 15848943A EP 3204695 A1 EP3204695 A1 EP 3204695A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heat
exchange system
heat exchanger
heat exchange
compartment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15848943.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3204695A4 (en
Inventor
Andreas Harald AAKRE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aakre Investor As
Original Assignee
Aakre Investor As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aakre Investor As filed Critical Aakre Investor As
Publication of EP3204695A1 publication Critical patent/EP3204695A1/en
Publication of EP3204695A4 publication Critical patent/EP3204695A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C11/00—Details of pavings
    • E01C11/24—Methods or arrangements for preventing slipperiness or protecting against influences of the weather
    • E01C11/26—Permanently installed heating or blowing devices ; Mounting thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
    • B63B29/20—Arrangements or adaptations of ladders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/14—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
    • B63B27/146—Pilot ladders or similar outboard ladders, e.g. bathing ladders; Pilot lifts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D15/00—Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls ; Heat-exchange apparatus employing intermediate heat-transfer medium or bodies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F19/00—Preventing the formation of deposits or corrosion, e.g. by using filters or scrapers
    • F28F19/006—Preventing deposits of ice
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63J—AUXILIARIES ON VESSELS
    • B63J2/00—Arrangements of ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning
    • B63J2/12—Heating; Cooling
    • B63J2002/125—Heating; Cooling making use of waste energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B23/00—Machines, plants or systems, with a single mode of operation not covered by groups F25B1/00 - F25B21/00, e.g. using selective radiation effect
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B27/00—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
    • F25B27/02—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy using waste heat, e.g. from internal-combustion engines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
    • Y02A30/27—Relating to heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC] technologies
    • Y02A30/274—Relating to heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC] technologies using waste energy, e.g. from internal combustion engine
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage

Definitions

  • the invention concerns the field of heat transfer. More specifically, the invention concerns a heat exchange system as set out by the preamble of claim 1.
  • Marine vessels such as boats, ships, offshore platforms and plants, that operate in environments where they may be exposed to temperatures below the freezing temperature, are required to have de-icing equipment to ensure that ice does not form on installations such as walkways, ladders, stairways and handrails.
  • Known de-icing equipment includes electric heat tracing, in which electric heating cables are either embedded in the installation to be heated (e.g. in the case of walkways) or attached to it by suitable mechanical means (e.g. in the case of stairways or ladders).
  • Electric heat tracing on board marine vessels is associated with certain disadvantages. Generating the required electricity is costly and contributes to depleting limited onboard fuel supplies. Also, the saline environment and the vessel's motions in the sea tend to subject the heating cables to mechanical loads and corrosive processes that over time lead to short-circuiting and earth faults.
  • Known de-icing equipment also includes liquid-based heating systems, where a heated liquid is circulated through a network of hoses embedded in or attached to the installation to be heated.
  • the heated liquid may for example be water (heated by e.g. the ship's engine), or a mixture of water and glycol.
  • These systems generally comprise a heat source, a heat exchanger and a circulation pump which drives the heated liquid through the network of hoses.
  • a heat exchanger As the liquid gradually loses heat as it flows through the hoses, through dissipation into the cooler installation, continuous circulation is required, often at high flow rates.
  • Disadvantages with such liquid-based systems include the potential for leaks, a continuous power demand (e.g. for the circulation pump), and the need for frequent maintenance. It is therefore a need for a de-icing system that is more reliable and efficient than those of the prior art.
  • a heat exchange system comprising at least one object to be heated or cooled, and a heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is connected to the at least one object via heat-transferring means, and is also connected to a heat source or a cooling source, characterized in that the object comprises at least one compartment which is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger via the heat-transferring means, and the compartment is configured to accommodate a gas gas having a certain thermal conductivity, whereby the heat is transferred by conduction within the gas, and is not depending on gas circulation; and there is no circulation pump between the heater and the compartment.
  • the heater is a heat exchanger and the heat- transferring means is a pipeline, and the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a heat source.
  • the compartment and the heat-transferring means (9) form a closed volume.
  • the heat-transferring means comprises a portion extending into said heater.
  • the object may be a step in a staircase, a walkway/deck element or a cargo deck element.
  • the system may comprise one or more cartridges that each comprise at least one compartment and wherein the cartridges comprise interconnection means.
  • a plurality of objects are fluidly interconnected.
  • each compartment comprises a tubular element.
  • the compartment may be made of a metal.
  • the invented system is particularly useful as a de-icing system on a marine vessel.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a staircase incorporating an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view and partly transparent drawing of the staircase shown in figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a step in the staircase illustrated in figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a plan view and partly transparent drawing of a portion of the staircase shown in figure 1, illustrating a heat exchanger and a staircase step
  • Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a staircase step incorporating the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a walkway element incorporating an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a plan view and partly transparent drawing of the walkway element shown in figure 6;
  • Figure 8a is a perspective view and partly cut-away drawing of a cargo deck incorporating an embodiment of the invention, and figure 8b is an enlargement of the area marked "D" in figure 8a.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a staircase 5 incorporating an embodiment of the invention, in use as a de-icing system on a marine vessel (not shown).
  • the staircase comprises a number of steps 6 and a banister (railing) 8 supported by posts 10.
  • Each step 6 is connected to its adjacent step via a tube 16 in a manner which is described below.
  • One of steps (in the figures, the lower step) is connected to a heat exchanger 4 via a pipe 9.
  • Reference numbers 14, 15 indicate pipelines to a heat source (not shown), for example heated water from the marine vessel's engines. It should be understood, however, that any heat source may be used.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a staircase step, seen from below. Underneath and connected to the step's framework 11, a number of tubular members 3 are arranged. These members, which do not necessarily need to have a tubular shape, are in fact hollow compartments, and will therefore in the following also be referred to as such.
  • the compartments 3 are interconnected via fittings 13, such that the compartments and the fittings form one cavity. In the embodiment shown in figure 3, this cavity has only one opening, i.e. the connector 12 to which the above mentioned pipe 9 (figures 1 and 2) may be connected.
  • FIG 4 which illustrates how one step 6 is connected to the heat exchanger 4, it is seen how the pipe 9 extends from the connector 12 and into the heat exchanger 4.
  • the pipe portion 9a inside the heat exchanger 4 is closed off at the end 9b.
  • This figure therefore illustrates how the compartments 3, fittings 13 and the pipe 9, 9a form a closed volume.
  • the heat exchanger 4 may be of a type known in the art.
  • the embodiment shown in figure 4 is merely a vessel having a fluid inlet 14 and a fluid outlet 15. In use, therefore, a liquid, heated by for example by an engine, circulates through the heat exchanger and delivers heat to the pipe end 9b, which is of a material having a good thermal conductivity, for example a metal material.
  • a plurality of steps 6 may be interconnected in series via tubes 16, for example as shown in figure 2.
  • the closed volume will comprise the compartments 3 and fittings 13 of each step 6, the interconnecting tubes 16, and the pipe 9, 9a.
  • figures 1, 2 and 4 show the heat exchanger 4 in close proximity to the staircase steps for which is providing heat, it should be understood that the heat exchanger in principle may be located anywhere on the marine vessel.
  • the pipe 9 between the heat exchanger and the step 6 to which it is connected is preferably provided with thermal insulation.
  • a key feature of the invention is thus that the closed volume is brought into contact with a heat source (e.g. the heat exchanger), and that the closed volume is configured to be filled with a gas having a certain thermal conductivity.
  • the heat is thus transferred by the gas per se, i.e. by conduction within the gas, and is not depending on gas circulation.
  • the gas inside the closed volume is not circulated through the heat exchanger (as is required with the known liquid heaters) and, consequently, no circulation pump is needed. Tests have shown that the gas pressure increases
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a staircase step 6' in which the
  • compartments 3 are embedded in the step structure.
  • the figure shown a plurality of compartments (closed off at each end), stair connection brackets 17, a pipe portion 9 leading to heat exchanger and a tube portion 16 for connection to subsequent step.
  • the invention is also suitable for use in a walkway or deck element 7 on a marine vessel.
  • the element 7 (which may be connected to a deck (not shown) comprises a frame 18 holding two heating cartridges 19 connected in series via a fitting 13.
  • Each cartridge 19 comprises a meandering compartment 3 and the compartments are interconnected via a fitting 13.
  • the compartment 3 in the left-hand (in figures 6 and 7) cartridge is connected to a heat source (e.g. a heat exchanger, not shown) via the pipe 9.
  • a heat source e.g. a heat exchanger, not shown
  • the compartments 3 in the cartridges 19 are configured to be gas-filled.
  • the fittings 13 and connectors 12 are of a type which known in the art and may comprise pressure-operated valves that close automatically when disconnected and open when connected to an adjacent connector and/or pipe. Therefore, the compartment 3 of each cartridge 19 may be pre-filled with the desired gas (at another location) and installed into element 7 by interconnecting it to the pipe 9 and (if applicable) other cartridges.
  • the similar modular principle also applies to the staircase steps described above.
  • the invention is also suitable for incorporation in a cargo deck 20 on a marine vessel.
  • beams 21 are placed on a deck plate 22.
  • Gas-filled compartments of the type described above, are arranged between the beams, and are interconnected and connected to a heat exchanger (not shown) in a manner similar to that described above.
  • the compartments 3 are fixated and protected by retaining members 23, which also serve as supports for (wooden) slats 24.
  • fins of a thermally conductive material may be connected to the retaining members and arranged to extend between adjacent slats.
  • the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a heating system, particularly for use as a marine de-icing system, it should be understood that other applications are possible, both on-shore and offshore.
  • a cold source i.e. a heat sink or a reservoir that absorbs energy
  • the compartments 3 will work as a cooling element, by virtue of the gas-filled, closed volume.
  • the invented system is therefore in its broadest sense a heat exchange system, wherein the heat exchanger is connected either a heat source or a cooling source.
  • the cartridges 19 and ancillary parts shown in figure 6, or equivalent variants may for example be installed as floor elements, wall elements or ceiling elements in any room, such as a ship's bridge, a ship's cabin, a cargo container, and be used as a heater or a cooler, depending on whether the heat exchanger is connected to a heat source or a cooling source.
  • the invention may find use in providing decentralised temperature control systems in e.g. facilities for transporting and storing produce, battery packs, and living quarters.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
  • Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchange system comprises at least one object (6; 6'; 7; 8) to be heated or cooled, and a heat exchanger (4). The heat exchanger is connected to the at least one object via a pipe (9)and is also connected to a heat source or a cooling source. The object comprises at least one compartment (3, 13) which is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger(4) via the pipe (9), and the compartment is configured to accommodate a gas; and there is no circulation pump between the heater and the compartment. The object may be a step in a staircase, a walkway/deck element or a cargo deck element. A plurality of objects may be fluidly interconnected. The system is particularly useful as a de-icing system on a marine vessel. Other applications are possible, both on-shore and offshore. If the heat exchanger is connected to a cooling source, the compartments will work as a cooling element, by virtue of the gas-filled, closed volume.

Description

A HEAT EXCHANGE SYSTEM
Field of the invention
The invention concerns the field of heat transfer. More specifically, the invention concerns a heat exchange system as set out by the preamble of claim 1.
Background of the invention
Marine vessels, such as boats, ships, offshore platforms and plants, that operate in environments where they may be exposed to temperatures below the freezing temperature, are required to have de-icing equipment to ensure that ice does not form on installations such as walkways, ladders, stairways and handrails.
Known de-icing equipment includes electric heat tracing, in which electric heating cables are either embedded in the installation to be heated (e.g. in the case of walkways) or attached to it by suitable mechanical means (e.g. in the case of stairways or ladders). Electric heat tracing on board marine vessels is associated with certain disadvantages. Generating the required electricity is costly and contributes to depleting limited onboard fuel supplies. Also, the saline environment and the vessel's motions in the sea tend to subject the heating cables to mechanical loads and corrosive processes that over time lead to short-circuiting and earth faults.
Known de-icing equipment also includes liquid-based heating systems, where a heated liquid is circulated through a network of hoses embedded in or attached to the installation to be heated. The heated liquid may for example be water (heated by e.g. the ship's engine), or a mixture of water and glycol. These systems generally comprise a heat source, a heat exchanger and a circulation pump which drives the heated liquid through the network of hoses. As the liquid gradually loses heat as it flows through the hoses, through dissipation into the cooler installation, continuous circulation is required, often at high flow rates. Disadvantages with such liquid-based systems include the potential for leaks, a continuous power demand (e.g. for the circulation pump), and the need for frequent maintenance. It is therefore a need for a de-icing system that is more reliable and efficient than those of the prior art.
Summary of the invention
The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.
It is thus provided a heat exchange system, comprising at least one object to be heated or cooled, and a heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is connected to the at least one object via heat-transferring means, and is also connected to a heat source or a cooling source, characterized in that the object comprises at least one compartment which is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger via the heat-transferring means, and the compartment is configured to accommodate a gas gas having a certain thermal conductivity, whereby the heat is transferred by conduction within the gas, and is not depending on gas circulation; and there is no circulation pump between the heater and the compartment. In one embodiment, the heater is a heat exchanger and the heat- transferring means is a pipeline, and the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a heat source.
In one embodiment, the compartment and the heat-transferring means (9) form a closed volume. In one embodiment, the heat-transferring means comprises a portion extending into said heater.
The object may be a step in a staircase, a walkway/deck element or a cargo deck element. The system may comprise one or more cartridges that each comprise at least one compartment and wherein the cartridges comprise interconnection means.
In one embodiment, a plurality of objects are fluidly interconnected. In one
embodiment, each compartment comprises a tubular element. The compartment may be made of a metal.
The invented system is particularly useful as a de-icing system on a marine vessel.
In use, when the heat exchanger is connected to a heat source, the object is heated. When the heat exchanger is connected to a cooling source, the object is cooled. Brief description of the drawings
These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a staircase incorporating an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a side view and partly transparent drawing of the staircase shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a step in the staircase illustrated in figure 1;
Figure 4 is a plan view and partly transparent drawing of a portion of the staircase shown in figure 1, illustrating a heat exchanger and a staircase step
incorporating the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a staircase step incorporating the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a walkway element incorporating an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a plan view and partly transparent drawing of the walkway element shown in figure 6;
Figure 8a is a perspective view and partly cut-away drawing of a cargo deck incorporating an embodiment of the invention, and figure 8b is an enlargement of the area marked "D" in figure 8a.
Detailed description of a preferential embodiment
The following description will use terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "back and forth", "up and down", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "forward", "rear", etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a staircase 5 incorporating an embodiment of the invention, in use as a de-icing system on a marine vessel (not shown). The staircase comprises a number of steps 6 and a banister (railing) 8 supported by posts 10. Each step 6 is connected to its adjacent step via a tube 16 in a manner which is described below. One of steps (in the figures, the lower step) is connected to a heat exchanger 4 via a pipe 9. Reference numbers 14, 15 indicate pipelines to a heat source (not shown), for example heated water from the marine vessel's engines. It should be understood, however, that any heat source may be used.
Figure 3 illustrates a staircase step, seen from below. Underneath and connected to the step's framework 11, a number of tubular members 3 are arranged. These members, which do not necessarily need to have a tubular shape, are in fact hollow compartments, and will therefore in the following also be referred to as such. The compartments 3 are interconnected via fittings 13, such that the compartments and the fittings form one cavity. In the embodiment shown in figure 3, this cavity has only one opening, i.e. the connector 12 to which the above mentioned pipe 9 (figures 1 and 2) may be connected.
Turning now to figure 4, which illustrates how one step 6 is connected to the heat exchanger 4, it is seen how the pipe 9 extends from the connector 12 and into the heat exchanger 4. The pipe portion 9a inside the heat exchanger 4 is closed off at the end 9b. This figure therefore illustrates how the compartments 3, fittings 13 and the pipe 9, 9a form a closed volume. The heat exchanger 4 may be of a type known in the art. The embodiment shown in figure 4 is merely a vessel having a fluid inlet 14 and a fluid outlet 15. In use, therefore, a liquid, heated by for example by an engine, circulates through the heat exchanger and delivers heat to the pipe end 9b, which is of a material having a good thermal conductivity, for example a metal material.
It should be understood that a plurality of steps 6 may be interconnected in series via tubes 16, for example as shown in figure 2. In that configuration, the closed volume will comprise the compartments 3 and fittings 13 of each step 6, the interconnecting tubes 16, and the pipe 9, 9a. Although figures 1, 2 and 4 show the heat exchanger 4 in close proximity to the staircase steps for which is providing heat, it should be understood that the heat exchanger in principle may be located anywhere on the marine vessel. In any case, the pipe 9 between the heat exchanger and the step 6 to which it is connected is preferably provided with thermal insulation.
A key feature of the invention is thus that the closed volume is brought into contact with a heat source (e.g. the heat exchanger), and that the closed volume is configured to be filled with a gas having a certain thermal conductivity. The heat is thus transferred by the gas per se, i.e. by conduction within the gas, and is not depending on gas circulation. In the invention, the gas inside the closed volume is not circulated through the heat exchanger (as is required with the known liquid heaters) and, consequently, no circulation pump is needed. Tests have shown that the gas pressure increases
proportionally with the increase in temperature.
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a staircase step 6' in which the
compartments 3 are embedded in the step structure. The figure shown a plurality of compartments (closed off at each end), stair connection brackets 17, a pipe portion 9 leading to heat exchanger and a tube portion 16 for connection to subsequent step.
Referring now to figures 6 and 7, the invention is also suitable for use in a walkway or deck element 7 on a marine vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, the element 7 (which may be connected to a deck (not shown) comprises a frame 18 holding two heating cartridges 19 connected in series via a fitting 13. Each cartridge 19 comprises a meandering compartment 3 and the compartments are interconnected via a fitting 13. The compartment 3 in the left-hand (in figures 6 and 7) cartridge is connected to a heat source (e.g. a heat exchanger, not shown) via the pipe 9. Although not illustrated in figures 6 and 7, it should be understood that several walkway and/or deck elements may be connected in series, via the connector 16, similar to the steps described above.
Similar to the steps described above, the compartments 3 in the cartridges 19 are configured to be gas-filled. The fittings 13 and connectors 12 are of a type which known in the art and may comprise pressure-operated valves that close automatically when disconnected and open when connected to an adjacent connector and/or pipe. Therefore, the compartment 3 of each cartridge 19 may be pre-filled with the desired gas (at another location) and installed into element 7 by interconnecting it to the pipe 9 and (if applicable) other cartridges. The similar modular principle also applies to the staircase steps described above.
Referring now to figures 8a and 8b, the invention is also suitable for incorporation in a cargo deck 20 on a marine vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, beams 21 are placed on a deck plate 22. Gas-filled compartments, of the type described above, are arranged between the beams, and are interconnected and connected to a heat exchanger (not shown) in a manner similar to that described above. The compartments 3 are fixated and protected by retaining members 23, which also serve as supports for (wooden) slats 24. Although not illustrated, fins of a thermally conductive material may be connected to the retaining members and arranged to extend between adjacent slats.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to a heating system, particularly for use as a marine de-icing system, it should be understood that other applications are possible, both on-shore and offshore. For example, referring to figure 4, if the heat exchanger is connected to a cold source (i.e. a heat sink or a reservoir that absorbs energy), the compartments 3 will work as a cooling element, by virtue of the gas-filled, closed volume. The invented system is therefore in its broadest sense a heat exchange system, wherein the heat exchanger is connected either a heat source or a cooling source.
The cartridges 19 and ancillary parts shown in figure 6, or equivalent variants, may for example be installed as floor elements, wall elements or ceiling elements in any room, such as a ship's bridge, a ship's cabin, a cargo container, and be used as a heater or a cooler, depending on whether the heat exchanger is connected to a heat source or a cooling source. The invention may find use in providing decentralised temperature control systems in e.g. facilities for transporting and storing produce, battery packs, and living quarters.

Claims

Claims
1. A heat exchange system, comprising at least one object (6; 6'; 7; 8) to be heated or cooled, and a heat exchanger (4), and wherein the heat exchanger is connected to the at least one object via heat-transferring means (9), and is also connected to a heat source or a cooling source, characterized in that the object comprises at least one
compartment (3, 13) which is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger (4) via the heat- transferring means (9), and the compartment is configured to accommodate a gas having a certain thermal conductivity, whereby the heat is transferred by conduction within the gas, and is not depending on gas circulation; and there is no circulation pump between the heater and the compartment.
2. The heat exchange system of claim 1, wherein the compartment (3, 13) and the heat-transferring means (9) form a closed volume.
3. The heat exchange system of claim 1, wherein the heat-transferring means is a pipeline (9), and wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a heat source or a cooling source.
4. The heat exchange system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat- transferring means (9) comprises a portion (9a) extending into said heat exchanger (4).
5. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the object (6; 6') is a step in a staircase.
6. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the object (7) is a walkway element or a floor element.
7. The heat exchange system of claim 6, wherein the element (7) comprises one or more cartridges (19) that each comprise at least one compartment (3) and wherein the cartridges comprise interconnection means (18).
8. The heat exchange system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the object (8) is a cargo deck element.
9. The heat exchange system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of objects are fluidly interconnected.
10. The heat exchange system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each compartment comprises a tubular element.
11. The heat exchange system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartment is made of a metal.
12 Use of the heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to a heat source, whereby the object is heated.
13. Use of the heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to a cooling source, whereby the object is cooled.
EP15848943.5A 2014-10-10 2015-10-05 A heat exchange system Withdrawn EP3204695A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20141218A NO339309B1 (en) 2014-10-10 2014-10-10 Heat Exchanger System
PCT/NO2015/050182 WO2016056921A1 (en) 2014-10-10 2015-10-05 A heat exchange system

Publications (2)

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EP3204695A1 true EP3204695A1 (en) 2017-08-16
EP3204695A4 EP3204695A4 (en) 2018-03-28

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EP15848943.5A Withdrawn EP3204695A4 (en) 2014-10-10 2015-10-05 A heat exchange system

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EP (1) EP3204695A4 (en)
NO (1) NO339309B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2016056921A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016056921A1 (en) 2016-04-14
NO339309B1 (en) 2016-11-21
EP3204695A4 (en) 2018-03-28
NO20141218A1 (en) 2016-04-11

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