ES1236501U - Water heating and cooling module based on aerothermal system and microaccumulation (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Water heating and cooling module based on an aerothermal system and by microaccumulation, the type of which contains a heat pump (17), an outdoor unit of an aerothermal machine (1), a flow switch (13), some flow/heating circuit impulsion pumps for flow (15) and return (16), a solenoid valve (8), an external temperature probe (7), a probe that measures the temperature of domestic hot water (6), a flusostato (14), a module for the production of domestic hot water (heat exchanger) (3), Buffer (storage tank) with stratified temperature distribution (4), hydraulic separator (5), valve (three-way) check valve (10), use (three-way) valve (11), characterized in that it uses a boiler (2), two-way valve (9), mixing (three-way) valve (12). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Water heating and cooling module based on aerothermal system and microaccumulation.

Technical sector

As stated in the statement of the present specification, the proposed invention falls within the sector of the aerothermal energy, being a type of energy that, although it does not become included in the category of renewable energy, is considered as low consumption. Aerothermal, considered in many cases as a source of energy replacing geothermal energy, has its origins in France less than two decades ago. Emerged with the purpose of saving the cost of heating and cooling systems (mainly in private homes) and taking advantage of the conditions of average temperatures and relative humidity of different climates in Europe, this type of energy follows the principle of Carnot, detailed in later sections.

Object of the invention

The purpose of this description is to register a new module for the production of domestic hot water almost continuously and also for heating and cooling, based on the aerothermal system, which considerably reduces the complexity of its assembly and installation, using an accumulation tank and various microaccumulation steps that will be described herein.

Background of the invention

Within the field of heating / cooling and / or domestic hot water production based on the use of aerothermal energy. Born and popularized in France about 15 years ago, aerothermal energy (or aerothermal energy) is a type of energy that, while not being included in the category of renewable energy, is considered as low consumption. The principle by which aerothermia is governed is none other than the reversible Carnot Cycle (that is, it can be used for both heating and cooling). Making certain assumptions and simplifying the characteristics of said cycle with the mere objective of giving a brief and simple graphic explanation, below, the basic processes of a Carnot Cycle (functioning as a heat pump) are presented:

- The refrigerant in the gaseous state is compressed by the compressor without reaching the liquid state, as this could damage the compressor itself. The compression process increases the pressure of the refrigerant and, consequently, its temperature.

- The coolant is then passed through the interior of the room for which the temperature is to be increased (known as Cold Spotlight). This results in a decrease in the temperature of the refrigerant and an increase in the temperature of the cold bulb. At this stage of the process the condensing refrigerant, going into a liquid state. There is, therefore, a liquid at a lower temperature and high pressure.

- Subsequently, the refrigerant is passed through an expansion valve, or throttle valve, through which a pressure drop occurs and, consequently, a temperature drop.

- Finally, the liquid refrigerant at a very low temperature takes heat from the outside air (at room temperature) thus returning to the beginning of the cycle.

Aerothermal technology consists of the extraction of up to 77% of the energy from the air, even if its temperature is below 0 ° C. Every particle, by simply being at a temperature higher than -273.15 ° C (temperature known as absolute zero) is in motion, that is, it has a certain level of internal energy. Thanks to aerothermal energy, this energy can be used for heating or cooling homes, as well as for regulating the temperature of the Sanitary Hot Water (DHW).

This is achieved by changing the phase of the coolant and the heat transfers of the system with the hot and cold lights, as detailed above. Even when it is at a temperature below zero, the outside air has enough energy to change the state of the refrigerant. Said energy, when coming from the air and not from the electricity grid, does not imply any expense for the user.

At present, the systems that use aerothermal energy for the production of heating / cooling and / or domestic hot water have certain complexity and restrictions on assembly and operation. In addition, they occupy a space far superior to that necessary for the installation of the system object of the patent, as will be detailed later.

In aerothermal energy, the efficiency of the complete system is subject to the conditions detailed below:

1- Positioning and orientation of the outside machine.

2- Refrigeration installation in the interior and exterior modules (section of the pipe, length, connections, etc.).

3- Hydraulic design of the system to provide the desired conditions of heating, cooling and / or domestic hot water. Included in this point are aspects such as: inertia deposits, electromechanical systems for fluid diversion, connection pipes and thermal insulation thereof, hydraulic separators, control clocks, etc.

The efficiency of these parameters depends, in turn, on their correct installation. That is, to achieve a correct functioning of the system in an acceptable working regime, not only the quality of the components but a good understanding and assembly of the system play a determining role. At present, these facilities require a floor space of about 6 m2, which, linked to its complexity, hinders a good positioning in the market despite its excellent operating characteristics and energy use.

Explanation of the invention.

The module object of the present invention has measures of length: 0.9 m - width: 0.6 m and height: 1.3 m. On the other hand, its installation and assembly does not seem to be complex, so much so that it can be done by a refrigerator, plumber or electrician.

The proposed invention has the following characteristics:

- Production of domestic hot water at 45 ° C for one hour continuously (650 liters approx.)

- Cooling at 7 ° C for cold fancoil floor or any other heatsink with a water battery - Uninterrupted heating at 60 ° C

- Possibility of simultaneous production of DHW and heating without durability restrictions

- Possibility of ACS recirculation system

- Home automation control of the primary heating system

- Possibility of investment for photovoltaic energy

- Condensate pump that allows easy emptying without the need to install drains at different heights

- Primary cleaning filter

- 10 mm thermal and sound insulation

- Mixing valve for underfloor heating and cooling

- Wheels for better transport, handling and installation

- Installation of gas service keys in the module itself, avoiding the need for manipulation of the external module if any fault occurs inside

- Use of return system from 40 ° C

- Identification of the sockets by cones in three D (round trip-ACS-cold water and recirculation)

- Custom panels with all types of models

- Automatic filling valve

- Control of losses or failures in the hydraulic installation through home automation. The home automation system interrupts the service in case of any anomaly in the circuit

- Absence of resistance and elimination of external electrical supply for heating or cooling

Brief description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where illustrative and non-limiting nature has been represented. next:

Figure 1.- Scheme with all the elements involved in the module.

Figure 2.- Distribution of the general cold water through the possible ducts.

The elements included in the figures listed refer to the following literature: 1- Outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine

2- Boiler (heat exchanger)

3- Domestic hot water production element (heat exchanger)

4- Buffer (storage tank) with stratified temperature distribution

5- Hydraulic separator

6- Outside temperature probe

7- Water temperature probe

8- Solenoid valve (preheating system cut-off)

9- Two way valve

10- Return recovery (three-way) valve

11- Valve (three-way) for use

12- Mixer (three way) valve

13- Flow switch

14- Flusostato

15- Drive pump of the heating / cooling system

16- Return pump heating / cooling system

17- Heat pump

18- General cold water intake

19- Domestic hot water outlet to housing

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

For the operation of the module in heating and domestic hot water mode: Although they are explained separately in order to provide a clearer view, both processes (heating and domestic hot water production), are simultaneous and alternate, that is, the two they take place at the same time, but under certain conditions the module may have to leave one of them for a short period of time. Before proceeding with a detailed description of the operation of the invention, a clear definition of some concepts and elements must be established:

General concepts

- Primary circuit: it is the route of the water inside the system, passing through the different elements of it (hydraulic separator, pumps, boiler, etc.). This flow will never be in contact with the domestic hot water that supplies the house.

- Secondary circuit: it is that composed of the network flows, that is, from the general cold water coming from the network until it becomes sanitary hot water supplied to the house.

- Exchanger: A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between two circuits, primary and secondary.

There are numerous types and subtypes of exchangers attending to different aspects. By way of illustration and assuming a certain degree of simplification, these can be divided based on:

- Construction aspects: plate exchangers and tube exchangers.

- Flow management: parallel flows and cross flows.

- Direction of the flows (only applicable to parallel flow exchangers): exchangers in equicorrent and exchangers in countercurrent.

Each of the different types of exchangers has different parameters (temperature jumps and efficiencies) and one or the other will be chosen depending on the application.

Elements of the memory object module

Aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1): by phase changes of a refrigerant and following the principles of the reversible Carnot cycle, this element supplies hot water at a sufficient temperature that allows the operation and efficiency of the module presented for registration. This component is taken as the module's starting point of operation. - The Boiler (2), is an exchanger, in which the heat transfer takes place by means of a coil-shaped tube, between the primary and the secondary circuit without a physical mixing between the two fluids. In the system presented here, the boiler (2) is responsible for increasing the water temperature of the secondary circuit, coming from the network, before entering it into the domestic hot water production module (3), in order to reduce the thermal jump in said module, and that is another type of exchanger. In this element, heat transfer between the primary and secondary circuit occurs through plates. Again, both fluids do not mix to prevent contamination of the domestic hot water from the secondary. The water of the secondary circuit comes from the boiler (2) and that of the primary circuit, from the buffer (4).

- Two-way and two-way valves: the first ones are responsible for interrupting and resuming the flow in the conduit in which they have been installed. In the case of three-way valves, their function is to change the direction of the flow being activated, both by electrical signals.

- Non-return valve: placed in a conduit, it allows the flow through it in a single direction, preventing a possible return of the fluid.

- Mixing valves: which alternate the direction of the flow (always remaining one way without being used), the mixing valves can let the flow through all its paths at the same time. They are used when, due to system requirements, two fluids are to be mixed. They also allow a regulation of the inflow.

- Flow switch (13): detects the presence of flow in a duct. It is a mechanical lever-operated device for the passage of fluid through it. It is commonly used in closed primary systems in which the fluid is always the same. Since it is a high-pass element, there is no risk that the fluid that passes through it, loaded with impurities / dirt / particles in suspension when belonging to a closed circuit, can cause an occlusion in this device.

- Flusostato (14): having certain similarities with the flow switch, the flusostato is a magnetic actuation element used for the detection of flow in a conduit. Having a high sensitivity, its application in boiler circuits, heaters and other systems where the flow can reach remarkably low values is common.

- Drive pumps of the heating / cooling system (15) and return (16): as the name implies, this device drives the fluid in the circuit in which it is connected.

- Hydraulic separator (5): it is an element used in systems in which there is a differentiation between primary heating or cooling production circuits. Its main function is to prevent the flow pumps (15) and return (16) from pumping the same fluid. That is, said element is used as a method of independence of both pumps in such a way that a pump conducts the fluid to the hydraulic separator, where it remains until it is taken by the second pump. In this way, the fact that the flow rates of both pumps are different will not influence the displacement of the fluid.

Operation as heating

For the module to work in heating mode, the setpoint temperatures will be between 46 and 65 ° C, and 50 ° C for domestic hot water.

Once the temperature parameters have been configured, the module starts operating with preference for domestic hot water, in order to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of this. For this, the module sends a signal to the two-way valve (9), which opens to start heating the buffer (4) which, in stationary mode, must reach the temperature of 50 ° C. Next, the aerothermal module sends a change signal to the same valve (9) to begin heating the part of the heating system. This signal is sent by the 220 V junction box and transformed to 24 V to comply with the regulations (CE) of utility machines that contain water.

Then, and for an estimated time of 5 minutes, the module operates through the heat pump (16), that is, by flowing the water through the heating circuit of the module using only heat pump (16), that is to say; without the operation of the return circuit of the dwelling, until reaching the required temperature. This results in the activation of the flow switch (13), which sends activation signals to the return recovery valve (10) and to the supply pumps of the flow heating / cooling circuit (15) and return (16). In this way, the water present in the heating circuit, coming from the buffer (4), will pass through the hydraulic separator (5) and will be driven to the house.

After an estimated time of 5 minutes, the outdoor unit of aerothermal machine (1) begins with the production of hot water that, through the primary circuit, will be circulated through the hydraulic separator (5). Next, the machine activates the primary heating pump which, through the round-trip (15) and return (16) circuits, heat is supplied to the home. At the same time, and provided that the primary fluid of the aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1) is at a temperature higher than 30 ° C, value measured by the temperature probe (6), the solenoid valve (8) cut-off of the domestic hot water preheating system, it will remain open. This implies that, if there is no demand for domestic hot water in the home, said water will return to the buffer (4), after having passed through the boiler (2), but without having produced a heat transfer with the secondary circuit, helping to increase and maintain its temperature just like the preheating system. It should be noted that, operating in heating mode, the temperature probe (6) will always measure a temperature above 30 ° C.

In addition, the temperature of the buffer (4) is increased and maintained thanks to another process of use of energy that the system has. Said process consists in the reconduction of the water coming from the heating circuit, as long as it is at a temperature higher than 35 ° C, towards the lowest parts of the buffer (4), which are at a temperature between 25 and 28 ° C. That is, if the second acting temperature probe, (7) detects a temperature higher than 35 ° C, coming from the three-way valve (11), the water will be taken to the buffer (4). Otherwise, the water will be redirected to the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1).

For the production of Sanitary Hot Water

The explanation of the process detailed below is valid both when the module works in Heating mode Domestic hot water, and when it does in cooling mode + Domestic hot water.

The hot water from the aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1), from which it leaves at the specified temperature, is used as a supply for two elements. On the one hand, it will be this water that helps keep the boiler (4) at a constant temperature, high enough to reduce the thermal jump between the cold general water coming from the network and the optimum thermal level required for the supply of domestic hot water. On the other hand, the water that comes from the aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1) is also used to maintain the temperature of the buffer (4) at the same value as that of the boiler (2). This plays a fundamental role for both circuits (primary and secondary), since this is where one of the system's heat exchanges takes place, crucial to achieve the uninterrupted supply of domestic hot water. This element has two inputs and two outputs (one input and one output for the primary circuit, and the same for the secondary circuit).

The heat transfers that take place in the boiler (2) are:

to. Water from the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) enters the boiler (2) (primary circuit) at a hot temperature.

b. In turn, through the secondary circuit (it should be remembered that at no time there is a mixture of the fluids of both circuits) the general cold water coming from the network at a cold temperature enters the boiler (2).

C. There is a heat transfer from the primary to the secondary circuit, raising its temperature (that of the secondary circuit) thanks to the configuration of the boiler (2), which, as explained above, is nothing more than a heat exchanger.

d. Primary water that entered a cold temperature leaves the boiler (2) at a hot temperature. This flow of water leaving the boiler (2) through the primary circuit will be directed to the buffer (4), since it still has enough heat energy to help maintain the temperature of said element.

and. Similarly and following this reasoning, the water leaving the boiler (2) through the secondary circuit has raised its temperature by absorbing heat from the primary circuit to a cold temperature value at its outlet. This secondary water flow is channeled to the domestic hot water production module (3).

F. In the domestic hot water production module (3), a heat transfer takes place again from the primary circuit, this time coming from the buffer (4), to the secondary circuit.

The heat transfers present in this element are:

g. Water from the secondary circuit of the boiler (2), water that originally came from the network, enters the module (3) at a cold temperature, the same temperature at which it left the boiler (2).

h. Simultaneously, the water from the buffer (4) enters the module (3) at a hot temperature through the primary circuit. Since the heat pump (17) supplies both the buffer (4) and the boiler (2), the temperature at which both elements are maintained is the same.

i. After the heat transfer, the water from the secondary circuit leaves at a cold temperature, the value of which is higher than when the water entered the module (3).

j. Similarly, the water in the primary circuit, after having transferred heat to the secondary, leaves the exchanger or module (3) at a hot temperature. This temperature value is lower than the temperature at which it entered the domestic hot water production module (3). This water is taken to the lower parts of the buffer (4), where the temperature is lower, so as not to cause excessive wear thereof. In case of being driven to the high part, the temperature contrast (between the temperature of the water coming from the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) and that coming from the domestic hot water module (3) in this part of the buffer (4 ) would occur through a continuous and constant flow, decreasing the efficiency of the system.

As a result of the fact that the total temperature jump in what will finally be the domestic hot water is distributed between the boiler (2) and the buffer (4), there is no excessive (thermal) wear of this second element, which favors Instant and uninterrupted production of domestic hot water.

Operation in cooling mode and domestic hot water

Since, as specified above, the domestic hot water mode maintains the same process as when the heating mode intervenes, only the cooling mode will be detailed below.

Cooling operation

As in heating mode, the first necessary action will be to activate the module for operation in cooling mode. The setpoint temperatures for cooling mode will be between 7 ° C and 25 ° C.

The system will start with heating the buffer (4) until it reaches the setpoint temperature of 50 ° C. By not working with coils, the module takes advantage of the inertia it has, thus reducing the pressure of refrigerant gas in the system, so that heating to 50 ° C is carried out in a time of only about 8 minutes.

Once the process of generating domestic hot water is finished, the system sends a signal to the three-way valve (9), producing the activation of the flow switch (13), with the corresponding sending of signals to the recovery valve of return (10). The part of the primary circuit corresponding to the hydraulic separator (5) is then activated, which begins to be cooled by the round-trip housing pumps (15 and 16). When in the cooling mode, the water of the primary circuit from the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) has a temperature below 30 ° C, so that the preheating solenoid valve (8) will remain closed, thus preventing cooling of the buffer (4). In the same way, the three-way valve (11) of the heating system of the house will also be kept closed since the temperature of the circulating fluid will be lower than 30 ° C because the machine is operating in cooling mode. That is why the route followed by said water will circulate through the hydraulic separator (5) to return to the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1), leaving the buffer (4) reserved only for the demand for domestic hot water.

In the event of a simultaneous demand for domestic hot water and refrigeration, the system would be able to meet said demand for an approximate period of 15 minutes. After this time, the temperature of the buffer (4) would fall below 45 ° C, causing a change of operation in the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1), which would cease the production of cold to supply domestic hot water, being the process equal to what happened in heating mode; opening of the cooling valve (9) to supply hot water and, if the temperature of the primary circuit exceeds 30 ° C there is also an opening of the solenoid valve (8) to use the remaining energy of the boiler in increasing the buffer temperature (4).

Other aspects to take into account

In the scheme shown in Figure 2 it can be seen how the water coming from the network is circulated through three different ducts, (C1, C2, C3). Next, the utility of each one of them is detailed.

- The duct marked C1 circulates the water through the boiler (2) to, as explained in previous sections, decrease the thermal jump before passing it through the ACS production module (3) (Figure 3).

- Duct C2 is used to fill the primary heating / cooling system. This water is carried through the buffer (4) to facilitate the elimination of the air and allow the primary pumps of the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) and the primary one of ACS (3) and heating to have a tank from which to take the water they require (Figure 4).

- The marking as C3 passes the cold water from the network through a mixing valve (12). Said valve (12) will allow the mixing of water from the ACS production module (3) and that of the network. If this mixture does not occur, the temperature of the water supplied to the house would be too high (Figure 5).

Enumeration of two elements with their respective inputs and outputs

Next, the inputs and outputs of each element in the process are detailed in more detail:

- Aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1):

Tickets:

^o Buffer water (4) at a lower temperature.

Departures:

^o Start of the primary circuit. The output of this element is carried to a three-way valve (9) which, depending on the machine's working mode, will drive the water to the boiler or another part of the system that will be detailed later.

- Boiler (2) 6 liters:

Tickets:

^o Hot water from the aerothermal module (1) (primary circuit) that will help reduce the thermal jump of the cold water from the network before entering the ACS production module (3).

^o General cold (secondary circuit, that is, water that will be supplied to the house) which, after increasing its temperature as it passes through this element (boiler (2)) will exit towards the ACS module (3).

Departures:

^o Water from the primary circuit outside the aerothermal machine unit (1) which, after giving up its energy to raise the temperature of the secondary water, will be taken to the inertia tank (buffer) (4).

^o Hot water (secondary circuit) that previously entered as a cold general and has reduced the thermal jump that the ACS production module will have to face later (3). Said reduction of the thermal jump guarantees a lower wear of the buffer (4), allowing the continuity of the ACS supply continuously. Said flow is directed to the ACS production module (3).

- ACS production module (3):

Tickets:

^o Secondary water from the boiler (2)

^o Primary water from the buffer (4)

Departures:

^o Domestic hot water for housing

^o Primary water that, previously coming from the buffet (4), returns to it at a lower temperature due to the transfer of heat that has taken place between the primary and secondary circuits.

- Tank of inertia or buffer (4) of 100 liters of capacity:

Tickets:

^o Hot water from the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) and which will help maintain its constant temperature.

^o Primary water from the exit of the boiler (2). In primary of the outdoor unit of aerothermal machine (1), after giving heat to the secondary, the water still has enough energy to help maintain the temperature of the buffer (4), so it is derived from it.

^o Primary water from the ACS production module (3), in which heat has been transferred to the secondary water (ACS housing).

^o Heating return water, which will only enter the buffer (4) if its temperature (heating return) is equal to or greater than 35 ° C.

Departures:

^or (primary). Hot water at the maximum temperature of the buffer (4) that enters the DHW production module (3) to increase the temperature of the secondary and supply the house.

^o Hot water that will be conducted to the hydraulic separator (5) to be later distributed through the heating circuit of the house.

^o Water from the lower parts of the buffer (4) which, being at a certain temperature (too low) is redirected to the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) to increase its temperature.

It is not considered necessary to extend the present specification so that any person skilled in the art understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from its use. The sizes, shapes, mechanisms and constituent materials of the invention may be varied to adapt them to the advantages that may be derived from their concrete application provided that this does not affect the essentiality of the invention. The terms in which this report has been written must always be taken as illustrative and not limiting.

Claims (1)

1.- WATER HEATING AND COOLING MODULE BASED ON AEROTHERMAL SYSTEM AND MICROACUMULATION, of the type that contains a heat pump (17), an outdoor unit of aerothermal machine (1), a flow switch (13) , one-way heating / cooling circuit (15) and return (16) drive pumps, a solenoid valve (8), an outside temperature probe (7), a probe that measures the temperature of domestic hot water (6 ), a flusostato (14), a domestic hot water production module (heat exchanger) (3), Buffer (storage tank) with stratified temperature distribution (4), hydraulic separator (5), valve (three non-return (10), use (three-way) valve (11), characterized in that it uses a boiler (2), two-way valve (8}, mixing (three-way) valve (12). 2 - WATER HEATING AND COOLING MODULE BASED ON AEROTHERMAL SYSTEM AND MICRO ACCUMULATION, according to claim 1, characterized in that, for the production of hot water from the aerothermal machine outdoor unit (1), a boiler (2) is involved in the circuits (primary and secondary). 3 - WATER HEATING AND COOLING MODULE BASED ON AEROTHERMAL SYSTEM AND MICROACUMULATION, according to claim 1 characterized in that, for the production of sanitary hot water and for heating, it is necessary to position the generic control of the outdoor unit of aerothermal machine ( 1) in heating and domestic hot water mode, at setpoint temperatures they will be between 46 and 65 ° C, and 50 ° C respectively, values obtained by means of the temperature probe (6). 4 - WATER HEATING AND COOLING MODULE BASED ON AEROTHERMAL SYSTEM AND MICROACUMULATION, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in cooling mode, the water of the primary circuit from the outdoor unit of the aerothermal machine (1) has a temperature below 30 ° C, the preheating solenoid valve (8), will be kept closed, the buffer (4) intervenes, the three-way valve (11) is in the closed position, a hydraulic separator (5) and two-way valve ( 9).