FR2628189A1 - Air conditioning unit for horticultural use - has evaporator, condensate recovery tank and air and water-cooled condensers - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit comprises a refrigerant compressor (8), an evaporator (10), an air-cooled condenser (14) and a water cooled condenser (13). The evaporator has a tank (27) for the collection of condensate from the ambient air. The refrigerant leaving the compressor first passes through a coil (29) submerged in the condensate tank (27). The air to be conditioned is circulated by a fan over the top of the condensate tank and over the evaporator and both condensers. According to the requirements the air can be heated, cooled, humidifed or dehumidified in any combination. USE - For enclosed growing areas such as cellars, in partic. for mushrooms.

Description

() FRENCH REPUBLIC Publication no .: 2,628,189 i use only

  for NATIONAL INSTITUT orders for reproduction) OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, E O. OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY National registration number: 88 02823 PARIS () Int CI4: F 24 F 1/02, 11/02; F 25 B 29/00, 39/04;

A 01 G 1/04, 9/24.

(A1 PATENT APPLICATION

  Filing date: March 2, 1988. Q Applicant (s): THERMO-REFRIGERATION, Company

limited liability. - FR.

(i) Priority:

  () Inventor (s): Christian Farrugia; Alain Farrugia.

  (, Date of public availability of the

  application: BOPI "Patents" n 36 of September 8, 1989.

  References to other national documents, appa-

rented: rné Holder (s):

  (Q Agent (s): Cabinet Harle and Phelip.

  ) Device for stabilizing the ambient air in a closed enclosure containing an evolving medium.

  (Ambient air stabilization apparatus in a room 24

  surrounded by mushroom cultivation for example.

  The device is in a compact form and includes: - a fan for circulating air in a closed circuit, and 4 - a refrigeration unit consisting of a compressor 8,

  an air evaporator 10 which cools the air and two conden-

  i sors: one with water 13 operating with an air heater 15 2

  external and the other with air 14 which is used to heat the ambient air.

  - a device for re-evaporating condensed water from 2 2

I air evaporator 10.

  o _t __._._..... o .. ___., .. s ^ se, 7 .. _a A ......, _ 7'7 RI Xl 4II O 075D0PfF <1 The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing the ambient air in a closed enclosure containing an evolving medium such as for example a

  culture and in particular of culture of mushrooms.

  The cultivation of mushrooms is carried out in enclosures inside which it is necessary to respect certain parameters such as temperature,

  the humidity and the percentage of carbon dioxide.

  These parameters are constantly monitored and they vary depending on the progress of the crop. A mushroom maker generally makes eight crops at the same time, at different stages of maturity, to be able to

  supply its customers every week.

  The temperature and humidity are therefore necessary.

  different in each of the growing areas; the percentage of carbon dioxide must be maintained the most

weak possible.

  Currently, the temperature of the culture chamber, generally a cellar, is uniform from one chamber to another. In fact, the heating is carried out with hot air which is propelled from the entrance to the cellar, through the various cultivation zones and then out towards the outside. The main object of the present invention is to recycle at least part of the ambient air, inside the enclosure, so as to reduce, in

  in particular, the cost of heating the growing area.

  The apparatus according to the invention consists of

  part of a refrigeration unit including a compressor

  seur, a condenser and an evaporator and, on the other hand, a ventilator for circulating air, in a closed circuit, pumping the air in the device itself through

  the evaporator, in particular; this device has a conden-

  sor made up of two elements whose operation is intermittent according to the needs of the culture chamber: - a first element in the form of a water condenser connected to an auxiliary cooling circuit external to the apparatus and located outside the chamber , - a second

2 6 2 8 1 8 9

  -2- element in the form of an air condenser located downstream of the evaporator between the latter and the fan intake. The fact of not recirculating the air, in the existing installations, facilitated the maintenance of a hygrometry suitable for the culture, as well as the lowering of the percentage of carbon dioxide in the enclosure. The invention makes it possible to permanently control the humidity of the air circulating in the enclosure, in addition to the possibility of adjusting different temperatures in the various enclosures, depending on the state of the

cultivation in the area under consideration.

  Still according to the invention, the quantity of fresh air to be brought into the enclosure only serves to combat the

release of carbon dioxide.

  Another object of the invention is to include controlled means for humidifying the air and in particular the air circulating in the device. These means consist of a re-evaporation device comprising a water recovery tank resulting from the condensation of moisture on the air evaporator, and a heating member disposed in said recovery tank, which member makes it possible to re-evaporate this condensed water in

according to needs.

  Still according to the invention, and to allow this adjustment of the hygrometry of the ambient air, the

  water recovery includes means of emptying.

  According to another arrangement of the invention, the heating element arranged in the recovery tank is a coil corresponding to the circuit of the coolant in the refrigeration unit, this coil corresponds to the part of the circuit disposed at the outlet of the

  compressor, upstream of the condensers.

  The ambient air carries heat from the manure on which the mushrooms are established. To adjust this ambient air temperature; the air is passed through the evaporator and through the air condenser, the latter being active or not depending on the case. For the sole cooling of the ambient air, the apparatus comprises means making it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the only water condenser, which is cooled by a circulation of water coming from the outside. In order to be able to adjust the temperature of the ambient air, and in particular to obtain a heating of this ambient air, the apparatus includes means making it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid, at the outlet of the compressor, in the air condenser interposed between

  the evaporator and the fan suction.

  According to another particular arrangement of the invention, the apparatus comprises means making it possible to pass the heat transfer fluid, at the outlet of the air evaporator, into the water condenser, which

  condenser is active or not as required.

  The invention will be further illustrated using the

  following description and attached drawings, given as

  indicative, and in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view of an installation of the apparatus in a mushroom growing area; Figure 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus; - Figure 3 is a side view of the device;

  - Figure 4 is a top view of the device.

  FIG. 1 shows a cellar 1 in which partitions 2 and 3 are arranged which delimit a culture zone or enclosure. In this area there are 4 mushroom plants arranged in bags or trays. This mushroom culture is ventilated by means of the device 5 arranged at one end of the enclosure, near the partition 3; this device draws in ambient air through its front grille 6, processes this air by the means described below and rejects it, at the other end of the enclosure, near the partition 2, by means of a sheath of

blowing 7.

  The ambient air of the enclosure thus circulates in a closed circuit and it is maintained, thanks to the apparatus 5, at a temperature appropriate to the culture and to its state of maturity just as it is maintained at a rate of appropriate humidity. Figure 2 illustrates the main elements of

  device 5, in the form of a block diagram. This appa-

  reil is like a refrigeration unit. It consists of a compressor 8, a condenser element 9, an element 10 which constitutes the evaporator. The evaporator 10 is located directly behind the grid 6 of the device 5; it is crossed by the ambient air of the culture chamber, pumped by the fan 11, fig. 3 and 4, has inside the device, which fan 11 propels the air in the column 12 located on the top of the device, then in then the ventilation duct 7. The air evaporator 10 has a permanent role of

ambient air cooling.

  The condensing element 9 consists of a

  water condenser 13 and an air condenser 14.

  The water condenser is cooled by an auxiliary circuit, external to the apparatus 5, which may include an air heater 15. This water condenser 13 is connected by the lines 16, to this air heater 15 located outside of

the culture enclosure.

  When the apparatus 5 operates to cool the ambient air, only the water condenser 13 is in action, which condenser operates for example with the air heater 15. When it is desired, after having cooled it in the evaporator a air 10, warm the ambient air before sending it back into the culture chamber, the cooled air is circulated in the air condenser 14, which air condenser is located behind the water evaporator 10 in

  upstream of fan suction 11.

  To obtain the circulation of the heat transfer fluid coming from the compressor 8, in one or other of the

  condensers, there are two solenoid valves 17 and 18.

  The solenoid valve 17 is arranged on the circuit between the compressor 8 and the air condenser 14; the solenoid valve 18 is arranged on the circuit between said compressor 8 and the water condenser 13. A non-return valve 19 is interposed between the outlet of the air condenser 14 and the inlet of the water condenser 13, and more precisely between the solenoid valve 18 and the inlet of said condenser 13, so as to be able to circulate the coolant, when the latter passes through the air condenser 14, in the water condenser 13, the latter being active or inactive depending on the needs. At the outlet of the water condenser 13, there is, in a conventional manner, a filter drier 20, followed by a liquid indicator light 21, again followed by a solenoid valve 22 for closing the circuit, and by the regulator 23, at the inlet of the air evaporator 10. There is also a pressure switch between the output 24 and input 25 circuits of the compressor 8

security 26.

  The output circuit 24 of the compressor 8 extends before arriving at the condenser element 9 in a tank 27; this

  circuit 24 forms a sort of coil in said tank 27.

  This tank 27 is a tank for recovering the water coming from the condensation of the humidity of the ambient air, at the level of the air evaporator 10. This tank 27 comprises a valve 28 for draining according to the water needs. . This condensed water makes it possible to adjust the hygrometry of the recirculated air by means of the apparatus 5. In fact, the coil 29 ensures the heating of the water contained in the tank 27; it makes it possible to re-evaporate this condensed water, inside the device 5 and to charge the air which passes through said device 5 with humidity, before reinsuffling it by means of the sheath 7 into

the culture enclosure.

  We also notice, fig. 2, on the circuit of the air heater 15, an accelerator 30 and a valve 31 of

  emptying and / or filling the circuit.

  The coolant circuit of the refrigeration unit also includes, as will be seen below,

  an accelerator and an expansion tank.

  FIG. 3 shows the device 5, seen from the side. This device is presented in a compact form, containing all the aforementioned elements with the exception of the air heater 15 which is connected to the device by the pipes.

16, fig. 1.

  This device 5 comprises a frame 32 and uprights 33 forming a frame around the device. The structure of the device 5, the sheet metal and all the other elements susceptible to corrosion are made of stainless materials. The front face 34 of the device comprises the filter 6 which appears in FIG. 1; behind this filter 6 is the air evaporator 10 which extends

  practically on the entire front surface of the device.

  This air evaporator 10 is disposed above the tank 27 for recovering condensed water. Behind the evaporator 10 there is the air condenser 14 whose dimensions are

  similar to those of said evaporator 10.

  The same arrangement appears in FIG. 4, in top view, showing the air evaporator 10 directly followed by the condenser 14. The evaporator 10 is disposed above the tank 27 inside. Of which tank the coil 29 is located.

  reeevaporation of the condensed water contained in the tank 27.

  FIGS. 3 and 4 do not show the different pipes of the circuits, to simplify the representation. Note, behind the air condenser 14, the water condenser 13 of elongated tubular shape

  arranged in the lower part of the device, on the chassis 32.

  Note on this water condenser 13 the accelerator 35 for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid as well as the solenoid valves 17 and 18 which allow to select either

  the water condenser 13 alone, ie the air condenser 14.

  There is shown, Figure 4, the compressor 36 has in a corner of the device 5 and the electrical panel 37 of control and command has in

  the other angle of the device 5, placed on the chassis 32.

  Between the compressor 36 and the electrical panel 37 we notice the fan 11 driven by an electric motor 38 by means of pulleys and belts 39. This fan 11 sucks the air inside the device 5, through a the evaporator 10 and the air condenser 14 on the other hand; it propels the treated air by the means described above in column 12 of the installation, bringing the treated air to the end of the culture chamber thanks to

the blowing duct 7.

  Note also, in Figure 4, the expansion tank -50 installed on the circuit of the refrigeration unit. FIG. 4 also shows the valve 28 for emptying the tank 27 as well as the valve 31 for filling the

  water condenser cooling water circuit 13.

  As already mentioned above, the details of the operation of the device are as follows. The ambient air passes through the apparatus 5 inside which the various members provided for stabilizing this ambient air are arranged as required, that is to say the air evaporator 10, the air condenser 14, the water condenser 13, and the re-evaporation device 40 consisting of the water recovery tank 27 and the coil 29. The air evaporator 10 allows the air to cool and the humidity of this air to condense under form of water is collected by the tank 27. The air condenser 14 ensures, as required, the heating of the air which passes through the device 5. The water condenser 13 ensures the evacuation of calories to the outside, by means

  a water circulation for example and an air heater 15.

  The re-evaporation device 40 allows reintegration of the condensation water into the ambient air, inside

even from the device 5.

  The various aforementioned organs of the apparatus are

  therefore implemented as needed.

  If the need corresponds to cooling with dehumidification, the air evaporator 10 is in action as well as the water condenser 13; the air condenser 14 and

  the re-evaporation device 40 are inactive.

  If the need is for air heating with dehumidification, the air evaporator 10 is in action as well as the air condenser 14; the water condenser 13 and

  the re-evaporation device 40 are inactive.

  If the need is for cooling the air without dehumidification, the air evaporator 10, the water condenser 13 and the re-evaporation device 40 are active; the

air condenser 14 is inactive.

  If the need is for air heating without dehumidification, the air evaporator 10, the air condenser 14 and the re-evaporation device 40 are active, the

water condenser 13 is inactive.

  Note that the ambient air always passes through the air evaporator 10; however, the heat supplied by the condenser element 9 is greater than that absorbed by the air evaporator 10. Thus, for example, for a power of the air evaporator 10 of nine Kwatts, and a power of the condenser element 9 of twelve Kwatts, a heating power of three Kwatts is obtained. This heating power is sufficient to heat the ambient air, taking into account the fact that this ambient air is largely heated by heat.

  released by the manure in fermentation.

  The device according to the invention can also be used wherever the ambient air in a particular enclosure must be maintained within well-defined parameters.

  precise and where a slight heating requirement is necessary.

  The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the

  claims are intended only to facilitate the

  understanding of them, and in no way limit them

the scope.

Claims (5)

- CLAIMS -   1.- Apparatus for stabilizing the ambient air in a closed enclosure containing an evolving medium, constitutes on the one hand, a refrigeration unit comprising a compressor (8), a condenser element (9), and an evaporator a air (10) and, on the other hand, a fan (11) for circulating air in a closed circuit, pumping the air in the device itself, through said air evaporator (10) in particular , characterized in that it comprises a condenser element (9) consisting of two elements which operate intermittently: - a first element in the form of a water condenser (13) connected to an auxiliary cooling circuit arranged outside the culture chamber, - a second element in the form of an air condenser (14) disposed between the evaporator at   air (10) and the fan suction (11).   2. Ambient air stabilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for humidifying the air circulating inside the device; these means consist of a device (40) for re-evaporation of the water resulting from the condensation   humidity on the air evaporator (10).   3.- ambient air stabilization device according to claim 2, characterized in that the re-evaporation device (40) consists of a tank (27) for recovering the water resulting from the condensation of moisture on the air evaporator (10), and a heating device has in said tank (27) allowing the re-evaporation of water.   4.- ambient air stabilization device according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating device disposed in the tank (27), consists of a coil (29) corresponding to the starting circuit (24) in compressor outlet (8) between the latter and the condenser element (9).   5.- Ambient air stabilization device   according to any one of claims 3 or 4,   characterized in that the water recovery tank (27), - 10 -   includes a drain valve (28) for this water to the outside of the appliance (5).   6.- Ambient air stabilization device   according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized   in that it comprises means, in the form of valves (17, 18), making it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the compressor (8), in the water condenser (13) alone, which is cooled by circulation external water At the phone.   7.- ambient air stabilization device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cooling of the water condenser (13) is effected by means of a water circuit connected to the outside of the enclosure   closed, on an air heater (15) or other.   8.- Ambient air stabilization device   according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized   in that it comprises means, in the form of valves (17, 18), making it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid, at the outlet of the compressor (8) in the air condenser (14), which is then cooled by circulation ambient air between the air evaporator (10) and the intake of the fan (11).   9.- Ambient air stabilization device,   according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized   in that it comprises means in the form of non-return valves (19), making it possible to pass the heat transfer fluid, at the outlet of the air evaporator (14), into the water condenser (13).   10.- Installation for the stabilization or air conditioning of the ambient air in a closed enclosure containing an evolving medium of the kind of culture medium and in particular of mushrooms, characterized in that it comprises an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Go <'J: W t l | X N AVz) vkt S vC * * *VS PL.2 / 2 14 33 it 5.0 (36 1_X I 33 339- D tA 39 VE%. T # < 14 a -3 27 \ \ \ X 29-, 44- I 28 "35 35 17 18 7 3 i i111 7 28 31.