EP3914872B1 - Heat exchanger module, heat exchanger system and method for producing the heat exchanger system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a heat exchanger module, a heat exchanger system and a method for producing a heat exchanger system for, in particular subsequent, installation in a sewage pipeline.

Energy production from waste water by heat exchangers subsequently installed in the waste water pipeline is, for example, from DE 10 2005 048 689 A1 known.

In the known heat exchanger, heat exchange fluid piping for inflow into and outflow from the heat exchanger is mounted below drain surfaces and is thus protected from contamination by the waste water. This has no negative impact on heat generation, since in the known heat exchanger only the upper side comes into contact with the waste water.

With improved heat exchange, however, in which an underside of the heat exchanger also comes into contact with the waste water, the pipelines for the inlet and outlet are no longer protected from contamination by the waste water in the known heat exchanger. However, contamination of the inflow and outflow tubing reduces heating of the heat exchange fluid in the outflow tubing because outflow tubing gives up some of the heat to the contaminants on the outside of the tubing, which it draws from the heat exchange fluid in the tubing . In addition, the heat exchange fluid in the contaminant inflow piping is heated outside of the piping, thereby further reducing a temperature difference between the inflow and outflow piping, and thus further deteriorating heat recovery from the waste water. Furthermore the pipelines flowed against represent a flow resistance and thus impair the waste water flow in the waste water pipeline.

the FR 2 954 819 A1 discloses an apparatus for extracting heat from a sewage collector, comprising a heat exchanger intended for immersion in the sewage stream and connection means between a heat transfer fluid circuit in the heat exchanger and heat transfer fluid inlet and return lines. Also disclosed is a system of heat transfer fluid channels associated with the heat exchanger, the system being connected to the heat exchanger.

In order to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved heat exchanger module, heat exchanger system and method for producing a heat exchanger system, with the effort involved in laying the heat exchanger modules to a heat exchanger system being reduced in particular.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the respective independent patent claim. The invention comprises a heat exchanger module for installation in a waste water pipeline, having a flow line section and a return line section which are fluidically connected to a heat exchanger chamber of the heat exchanger module, the respective flow line sections of a plurality of heat exchanger modules being fluidically connectable to one another to form a flow line and the respective return line sections of a plurality of heat exchanger modules to one another Return line can be fluidically connected and within the flow line section a feed line can be arranged or is arranged, by means of which the flow line section can be fed or fed with a heat exchanger fluid.

An advantage of the present invention is that a space-saving heat exchanger module is made available, which is particularly suitable for use in cramped and/or restricted spaces such as a sewer. In particular, the available space can be better utilized in such a way that more space can be occupied by the heat exchanger chamber compared to a conventional heat exchanger module in which a feed line is provided outside the flow line section. A heat exchanger module with increased heat exchange performance can thus be used with the same space conditions.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the heat exchanger module has a smaller cross-sectional area, which ensures a better flow of waste water and a lower tendency of the heat exchanger module to become soiled, particularly when used in a sewer.

In addition, another advantage of the present invention is that the feed line, in particular possible connection points of a multi-part feed line, is better protected against dirt and/or damage.

The heat exchanger module can contain at least one heat exchanger element with a heat exchanger chamber and can be used, for example, for heat recovery from cooling water from power plants, for storing solar energy in hot water buffers or for heat recovery from waste heat - in particular from waste water - from buildings, machines or other systems. Alternatively or in addition to what is described above, air or a gas or gas mixture can flow around the heat exchanger element at least in sections.

A sewage pipeline may be a pipeline for collecting and guiding sewage, wherein a sewage flow direction is parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal direction of the sewage pipeline. The sewage flow direction is usually determined by a slope of the sewage pipeline and basically runs parallel to the longitudinal direction described above or coincides with it. A sewage pipeline can also be an open sewage channel within the meaning of the present invention.

The flow line section can be a section of a flow line, wherein the flow line section and/or the flow line can be designed as a closed line or as an open channel. The same applies to the return line section and/or the return line.

The feed line can be designed as a closed line or as an open channel, from which the flow line section and/or the flow line or the return line section and/or the return line can be fed or is fed with the heat exchanger fluid. It is basically described that the feed line can be arranged or is arranged in the flow line section and/or in the flow line. The associated advantages can also be achieved if, as an alternative to this, the feed line can be arranged or is arranged accordingly in the return line section and/or the return line.

As described above, the heat exchange fluid can be water, in particular waste water, air or a gas or gas mixture.

In the context of this description, the terms “upstream”, “downstream” and the like are to be understood in relation to the direction of flow of a medium described in each case, optionally in a line described in each case.

The terms "outside" or "inside" and the like used in the context of the present invention mean that a center point, particularly an idealized or imagined center point, is an innermost point. An outer area in relation to this is an, in particular idealized or imaginary, peripheral area which at least partially surrounds the center point. Thus, a point or region that is designated as being more outward than another point or region is radially further from the center toward the circumferential region than the other point or region that is more inward.

In the context of the present invention, the terms “above” or “above” and the like mean a direction and/or a position of an element in relation to another element counter to the direction of gravity. In the context of the present invention, the terms “below” or “below” and the like used below mean a direction and/or a position of one element in relation to another element in the direction of gravity.

Advantageously, a cross-sectional area of the flow line section minus a cross-sectional area of the feed line can be approximately the same size as the cross-sectional area of the feed line. A flow resistance in the flow line section can thus be kept approximately the same as a flow resistance in the feed line.

In particular, the feed line can be designed in one piece. Thus, a leak-prone connection point of an otherwise multi-piece feed line within the flow line section can be avoided.

A fluid flow of the heat exchange fluid in the feed line can be directed in the opposite direction to a fluid flow of the heat exchange fluid in the flow line section.

In particular, the flow line section can be fed with the heat exchanger fluid at a downstream end of the feed line. With this configuration, the heat exchange fluid traverses the entire feed line before entering the delivery line section, from which the heat exchange fluid enters the individual heat exchange modules.

The feed line can be or can be arranged concentrically in the flow line section, in particular by means of guide rings and/or spacers.

As an alternative to this, an outer circumference of the feed line can touch an inner circumference of the feed line section at least in sections.

A concentric or eccentric position of the feed line with respect to the delivery line section can be achieved by means of guide rings and/or spacers which can be integrally formed on the feed line. Thus, an introduction of the feed line in the flow line section and / or Compliance with the desired position of the feed line can be facilitated in the flow line section. It goes without saying that an outer geometry of the guide rings and/or spacers is adapted to an inner geometry of the flow line section and that an inner geometry of the guide rings and/or spacers is adapted to an outer geometry of the feed line.

The feed line can be made of plastic. Increased durability and/or easier handling of the feed line, in particular when introducing the feed line into the flow line section, can thus be ensured.

Another aspect relates to a heat exchanger system with a modular structure, having a plurality of heat exchanger modules arranged one behind the other, each heat exchanger module having a feed line section and a return line section which are fluidically connected to a heat exchanger chamber of the heat exchanger module, the respective feed line sections of the individual heat exchanger modules being fluidically connected to one another to form a feed line and the respective return line sections of the individual heat exchanger modules are fluidically connected to one another to form a return line, and wherein a feed line is arranged within the feed line, by means of which the feed line can be fed or is fed with a heat exchanger fluid.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above for the heat exchanger module according to the invention, an advantage of the heat exchanger system according to the invention is that laying the heat exchanger system is simplified, in particular because of a simplified introduction of the feed line into the flow line of heat exchanger modules that have already been laid. In particular, it is therefore possible to dispense with a separate connection of feed line sections that are otherwise present in each heat exchanger module.

In particular, the plurality of heat exchanger modules arranged one behind the other can be fluidically connected in parallel with one another. The heat exchanger modules arranged one behind the other can follow a course of the sewage pipeline in which they are laid, for example.

A fluid flow of the heat exchange fluid in the feed line can be directed in the opposite direction to a fluid flow of the heat exchange fluid in the supply line.

In particular, the feed line can be fed with the heat exchanger fluid at a downstream end of the feed line. With this configuration, the heat exchange fluid traverses the entire feed line before entering the delivery line, from which the heat exchange fluid enters the individual heat exchange modules.

A sum of the lengths of the feed line, flow line and return line in each heat exchanger module can be approximately the same. With this configuration, a so-called Tichelmann system (Tichelmann's pipework) can be implemented. With the Tichelmann system, for example, the pipes in a heating system from the heat generator (e.g. boiler, solar system) to the heat consumer (e.g. radiator, hot water tank) and back are laid in a ring so that the sum of the lengths of flow and return is is about the same size for each radiator. Radiators with a short lead have a long return and vice versa. The purpose of this is that all radiators are exposed to approximately the same pressure losses and thus the same volume flows = same heat flows in the radiators, even if no control valves are used. This results in even heating, even from radiators that are farther away. A connection according to "Tichelmann" also means that the zeta values (pressure loss coefficients) of the pipe fittings for connecting several identical components (usually hot water tanks or solar collectors) are the same in total for each individual component, so that an even flow is guaranteed (source : Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tichelmann-System).

In particular, a cross-sectional area of the flow line minus a cross-sectional area of the feed line can be approximately the same size as the cross-sectional area of the feed line. A flow resistance in the supply line can thus be kept approximately the same as a flow resistance in the feed line.

Advantageously, the feed line can be formed in one piece. Thus, a leak-prone connection point of an otherwise multi-piece feed line within the flow line can be avoided. This configuration can also be used to further simplify laying of the heat exchanger system, since the introduction of the one-piece feed line into the flow line of the heat exchanger modules that have already been laid means a considerable simplification, especially if the feed line is virtually endless, i.e. in the form of a 100 m roll, for example. In particular, a separate connection of feed line sections that are otherwise present for each heat exchanger module can therefore be dispensed with.

The feed line can be arranged concentrically in the flow line, in particular by means of guide rings and/or spacers.

As an alternative to this, an outer circumference of the feed line can touch an inner circumference of the flow line at least in sections.

A concentric or eccentric position of the feed line with respect to the delivery line can be achieved by means of guide rings and/or spacers which can be integrally formed on the feed line. This makes it easier to insert the feed line into the flow line and/or to maintain the desired position of the feed line in the flow line. It goes without saying that an external geometry of the guide rings and/or spacers is adapted to an internal geometry of the supply line and that an internal geometry of the guide rings and/or spacers is adapted to an external geometry of the feed line.

The feed line can be made of plastic. Increased durability and/or easier handling of the feed line, in particular when introducing the feed line into the flow line, can thus be ensured.

• Anordnen von mehreren Wärmetauschermodulen hintereinander in einer Abwasserrohrleitung, Vorsehen eines Vorlaufleitungsabschnitts und eines Rücklaufleitungsabschnitts an jedem Wärmetauschermodul und fluidisches Verbinden des Vorlaufleitungsabschnitts und des Rücklaufleitungsabschnitts mit einer Wärmetauscherkammer des Wärmetauschermoduls,
• fluidisches Verbinden der jeweiligen Vorlaufleitungsabschnitte der einzelnen Wärmetauschermodule miteinander zu einer Vorlaufleitung und der jeweiligen Rücklaufleitungsabschnitte der einzelnen Wärmetauschermodule miteinander zu einer Rücklaufleitung und
• Anordnen einer Speiseleitung innerhalb der Vorlaufleitung zum Speisen der Vorlaufleitung mit einem Wärmetauscherfluid.

The invention includes a method for producing a heat exchanger system with a modular structure, comprising the steps:

• arranging several heat exchanger modules one behind the other in a waste water pipeline, providing a supply line section and a return line section on each heat exchanger module and fluidically connecting the supply line section and the return line section to a heat exchanger chamber of the heat exchanger module,
• Fluidly connecting the respective supply line sections of the individual heat exchanger modules to one another to form a supply line and the respective return line sections of the individual heat exchanger modules to one another to form a return line and
• arranging a feed line within the supply line for feeding the supply line with a heat exchange fluid.

The advantages of the method for producing the heat exchanger system result analogously from the features mentioned above for the heat exchanger module and the heat exchanger system and their advantages.

The method described above applies correspondingly to only a single heat exchanger module.

Exemplary embodiments of the heat exchanger module according to the invention and of the heat exchanger system are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below, and that individual features thereof can be combined to form further exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine räumliche Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Wärmetauschermoduls gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung des bekannten Tichelmann-Systems; und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wärmetauschersystems mit parallelgeschalteten Wärmetauschermodulen gemäß Fig. 1.

Show it:

1

a spatial view of a heat exchanger module according to the invention according to the embodiment of the invention;

2

a schematic representation of the principle of the known Tichelmann system; and

3

a schematic basic representation of a heat exchanger system according to the invention with parallel heat exchanger modules according to 1 .

At the in 1 The spatial view shown of a heat exchanger module 1 according to the invention according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger module 1 has a heat exchanger element with a heat exchanger chamber 2, on which a supply line section 4 and a return line section 6 are fluidically connected to the heat exchanger chamber 2 at a respective connection port 8. According to an exemplary embodiment that is not shown, the heat exchanger module 1 can have a plurality of heat exchanger elements which are fluidically connected to one another. For reasons of stability, the supply line section 4 and the return line section 6 can also be mechanically connected to the heat exchanger chamber 2 at a respective stiffening point 10 .

In the flow line section 4, a feed line 12 is arranged, in which a heat exchanger fluid can be introduced in an introduction direction ER. The feed line 12 is in 1 shown protruding from the feed line section 4 counter to the introduction direction ER, as is the case, for example, when the feed line 12 is inserted into the feed line section 4 . The flow line section 4 is designed to be open at its downstream end as seen in the introduction direction ER, just like the feed line 12, in particular for the connection of a further heat exchanger module 1.

If the heat exchanger module 1 is to be operated as the only one, i.e. it is not to be connected to a second heat exchanger module 1 arranged behind it, for example, the flow line section 4 can be connected to the in Introductory direction ER seen downstream end be closed. The feed line 12, on the other hand, also remains open in this case at its end on the downstream side, viewed in the direction of introduction ER. Advantageously, the downstream end of the feed line 12, viewed in the direction of introduction ER, is at a distance from the end of the feed line section 4, viewed in the direction of introduction ER, downstream, counter to the direction of introduction ER, in order to allow the heat exchanger fluid to pass more easily from the feed line 12 into the feed line section 4.

In the flow line section 4, the heat exchanger fluid flows in an inflow direction ZR, which is directed counter to the inlet direction ER, and reaches the heat exchanger chamber 2 via the connection port 8. The heat exchanger chamber 2, which is heated, for example, by the waste water flowing around it, heats the heat exchanger fluid, which flows via the other connection port 8 in the return line section 6 arrives. From there, the heated heat exchange fluid can be directed, for example, into a (not shown) radiator or the like, after which it is conveyed back into the feed line 12 by a pump (not shown), for example, in order to close the circuit.

In 2 1 is a schematic representation of the principle of a known Tichelmann system using the example of solar collectors 18 connected in parallel.

With the Tichelmann system (Tichelmann pipework) in a heating system, the pipes from the heat generator (e.g. boiler, solar system with solar collectors 18) to the heat consumer (e.g. radiator, hot water storage tank) and back are usually routed in a ring arrangement in such a way that the total the lengths of flow 14 and return 16 for each solar panel 18 is about the same size. Solar panels 18 with a short lead 14 have a long return 16 and vice versa. The point here is that all the solar collectors 18 are exposed to approximately the same pressure losses and the same volume flows=same heat flows are thus established in the , even if no control valves are used. This causes a uniform heating of a heat exchanger fluid even with solar collectors 18 located further away. A connection according to "Tichelmann" also means that the zeta values (pressure loss coefficients) of the pipe fittings for connecting several identical components (usually hot water tanks or solar collectors 18) are the same in total for each individual component, so that an even flow is guaranteed (source: Wikipedia https:/ /de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tichelmann-System).

The colder flow 14 is shown with solid lines and the warmer return 16 is shown with dash-two-dotted lines. A heat exchange fluid pump and a heat consumer (e.g. radiator, hot water tank) for utilizing the heat in the return 16 are omitted. Cold heat exchanger fluid is introduced into the flow 14 in the introduction direction ER. The flow 14 has a so-called Tichelmann line 20 upstream of the flow line 24 with the connection terminals 8 to the solar collectors 18 , viewed in the direction of introduction ER. The Tichelmann line 20 is designed as an extension of the flow line 24 and is designed parallel thereto. With this arrangement, the heat exchanger fluid flows in the feed line 24 in an inflow direction ZR, which is directed counter to the introduction direction ER, although a fluid flow in the feed 14 is not reversed, ie always flows in the same direction. From the supply line 24, the heat exchanger fluid flows via the respective connection port 8 into the respective heat exchanger module 1 and its heat exchanger chamber 2. The heated heat exchanger fluid flows back into the circuit via the return line 26.

The Tichelmann line 20 ensures that the path of the heat exchanger fluid in the flow 14 is extended and so the sum of the lengths of the flow 14 and return 16 is approximately the same for each solar collector 18 .

in the in 3 shown heat exchanger system 22 are several heat exchanger modules 1 according to 1 connected in parallel with the so-called "Tichelmann line" 20, whereby a feed pressure of the heat exchanger fluid can be kept approximately the same in each of the heat exchanger modules 1, without providing control valves, as already mentioned above. As also already mentioned, a uniform flow and thus a uniform heat transfer from the waste water to the heat exchanger fluid in the individual heat exchanger modules 1 is thus ensured.

The feed line 12, shown in broken lines, is designed as a Tichelmann line 20 and is arranged inside the flow line 24. The heat exchanger fluid must pass through the feed line 12 completely before it emerges from the feed line 12 at a downstream end of the feed line 12 viewed in the introduction direction ER of the heat exchanger fluid and feeds the feed line 24 with it.

In the feed line 24, the heat exchanger fluid flows in the inflow direction ZR and via the respective connection port 8 into the respective heat exchanger module 1 of the heat exchanger system 22 and then back again via the return line 26, for example to a heat exchanger fluid pump (not shown), at the outlet of which the feed line 24 connected.

The inflow direction ZR of the heat exchanger fluid in the feed line 24 is directed counter to the introduction direction ER of the heat exchanger fluid into the feed line 12, i.e. within the feed 14 the flow direction of the heat exchanger fluid is reversed.

Reference List

1

heat exchanger module

2

heat exchanger chamber

4

flow line section

6

return line section

8th

connection port

10

stiffening point

12

feed line

14

leader

16

return

18

solar panel

20

Tichelmann line

22

heat exchanger system

24

flow line

26

return line

HE

discharge direction

ZR

inflow direction

Claims (14)

1. Heat exchanger module (1) for installation in a wastewater pipeline, comprising:

   a supply pipe portion (4) and a return pipe portion (6) which are fluidically connected to a heat exchanger chamber (2) of the heat exchanger module (1), wherein

   the respective supply pipe portions (4) of a plurality of heat exchanger modules (1) can be fluidically interconnected to form a supply pipe (24), and the respective return pipe portions (6) of a plurality of heat exchanger modules (1) can be fluidically interconnected to form a return pipe (26), characterised in that

   a feed line (12) is arranged within the supply pipe portion (4), by means of which feed line the supply pipe portion (4) can be fed with a heat exchanger fluid.
2. Heat exchanger module (1) according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the supply pipe portion (4) minus a cross-sectional area of the feed line (12) is approximately the same size as the cross-sectional area of the feed line (12).
3. Heat exchanger module (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the feed line (12) is formed in one piece.
4. Heat exchanger module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feed line (12) is arranged concentrically in the supply pipe portion (4), or an outer periphery of the feed line (12) touches an inner periphery of the supply pipe portion (4), at least in portions.
5. Heat exchanger module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feed line (12) is made of plastics material.
6. Heat exchanger system (22) having a modular structure, comprising:
   a plurality of heat exchanger modules (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, which are arranged one behind the other.
7. Heat exchanger system (22) according to claim 6, wherein a fluid flow of the heat exchanger fluid in the feed line (12) is directed in the opposite direction to a fluid flow of the heat exchanger fluid in the supply line (24).
8. Heat exchanger system (22) according to either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the supply line (24) is fed with the heat exchanger fluid at a downstream end of the feed line (12).
9. Heat exchanger system (22 according to claims 6 to 8, wherein a sum of the lengths of the feed line (12), supply pipe (24) and return pipe (26) is approximately the same in each heat exchanger module (1).
10. Heat exchanger system (22) according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein a cross-sectional area of the supply pipe (24) minus a cross-sectional area of the feed line (12) is approximately the same size as the cross-sectional area of the feed line (12).
11. Heat exchanger system (22) according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the feed line (12) is formed in one piece.
12. Heat exchanger system (22) according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein the feed line (12) is arranged concentrically in the supply pipe (24), or an outer periphery of the feed line (12) touches an inner periphery of the supply pipe (24), at least in portions.
13. Heat exchanger system (22) according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 12, wherein the feed line (12) is made of plastics material.
14. Method for producing a heat exchanger system (22) having a modular structure, comprising the steps of:

    arranging a plurality of heat exchanger modules (1) one behind the other in a wastewater pipeline,

    providing a supply pipe portion (4) and a return pipe portion (6) at each heat exchanger module (1) and fluidically connecting the supply pipe portion (4) and the return pipe portion (6) to a heat exchanger chamber (2) of the heat exchanger module (1),

    fluidically interconnecting the respective supply pipe portions (4) of the individual heat exchanger modules (1) to form a supply pipe (24), and fluidically interconnecting the respective return pipe portions (6) of the individual heat exchanger modules (1) to form a return pipe (26), characterised by

    arranging a feed line (12) within the supply pipe (24) in order to feed the supply pipe (24) with a heat exchanger fluid.

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