FR3011918A1 - HEAT EXCHANGER DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED MODULAR SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of sound and visual integration of outdoor heat pump units and more particularly to a heat exchanger device 0 comprising a heat exchanger 1 and at least one mechanical fixing support 2 integral with the exchanger of heat, said support being for mechanical attachment of the heat exchanger on a roof ridge. Thus disposed at the location most exposed to air currents, the heat exchanger 1 has ridge crest effects that provide a spontaneous mixing of air and a significantly higher flow rate than any other another place on a dwelling.

Description

The invention relates to the field of sound and visual integration of outdoor units of heat pumps. The invention relates more particularly to a heat exchanger device comprising a heat exchanger and at least one mechanical fastening support integral with the heat exchanger. As part of the development of innovative solutions related to heat pumps for individuals, a recurrent problem aims to increase the quality of the sound and visual integration of outdoor units of thermodynamic systems and in particular heat pumps. In fact, the outdoor units incorporate noisy components (for example one or more fans, as well as a compressor) which cause acoustic discomfort for the customer and the neighborhood. Among these outdoor units, there are so-called "passive" heat exchangers because they do not use fans, which has the advantage of limiting the acoustic genes. However, these exchangers require a large exchange surface to allow the absorption of calories naturally present in the air. They are generally arranged together with a mechanical mounting support for their arrangement on facades or garden fences. This arrangement does not favor the visual integration or the performance of the heat exchangers in particular because, thus arranged, the heat exchangers are weakly subjected to the natural convective currents of the wind, the latter nevertheless taking a very favorable role in the exchange natural heat around the exchanger. There are therefore real problems of visual integration and efficiency of these outdoor units.

In addition, during the winter period outdoor heat pump units produce a relatively large amount of water during defrost cycles. This water, flowing in most cases to the right of each outdoor unit, can come to ice on the ground thus forming a zone that can degrade media or present risks of falling.

The present invention aims to reduce the incidence of the above disadvantages. For this purpose, the heat exchanger device, which also conforms to the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially such that the mechanical fixing support is intended for mechanical attachment of the heat exchanger to a heat exchanger. roof ridge. Thus disposed at the location most exposed to air currents, the heat exchanger device has ridge peak effects that provide a spontaneous mixing of air and a significantly higher flow rate than any other place on the house. According to a first variant, the mechanical attachment support comprises a base intended to form at least partly a roof ridge. The heat exchanger device according to this variant advantageously forms an integral part of the roof.

According to a feature of the first variant, the base of the mechanical fastening support forming the roof ridge has a shape complementary to the shape of the roof ridge and is made of a selected material, to ensure a tightness of the roof ridge. According to a second variant, the mechanical attachment support 20 comprises a base formed of two legs arranged on either side of a roof ridge to be fixed there. The heat exchanger device according to this variant has a great ability to adapt to the existing. According to a feature of the second variant, the legs are arranged in conjunction with an adapter device for tilting the legs independently of one another. The heat exchanger device according to this feature thus advantageously allows to adapt to the multiple slopes of two-sided roofs and their possible asymmetry. According to another feature, the mechanical fixing support comprises: - a base, - an upper fixing element, and - at least one bar joining the base and the upper fixing element, the base being intended for fixing the mechanical fastening support on the roof ridge or on a roof ridge, the upper fixing element being intended for fixing the heat exchanger to the mechanical fixing support, and said at least one bar maintaining a determined distance between the base and the upper fastening element.

The heat exchanger device according to this feature is thus advantageously adapted to maintain the heat exchanger at a determined distance above the roof ridge. According to another feature, the heat exchanger comprises: a heat transfer device comprising: a plurality of fins that are substantially parallel to each other and aligned around the same axis, and at least one straight tube, each tube; right being disposed parallel to said axis, passing through the plurality of fins and projecting from ends on either side of said plurality, and each fin and each straight tube being joined together by a heat conductive junction. According to this feature, the heat exchanger is advantageously passive.

According to a feature of the passive heat exchanger, each fin is of hemi-cylindrical shape, the concavity of each hemi-cylindrical shape being oriented towards the roof ridge. The heat exchanger thus advantageously takes a shape corresponding to that of most roof ridge allowing it to fit into the overall aesthetics of the roof.

According to another feature of the passive heat exchanger, the heat transfer device comprising at least two straight tubes, the heat exchanger further comprises at least one end manifold connecting at least two straight tubes at their ends located on the same side of the plurality of fins, for forming, with said at least two straight tubes, a routing circuit having a single inlet and a single outlet for a coolant. According to another particularity of the passive heat exchanger, the upper fastening element of at least one mechanical fixing support comprises a cross member engaging at least one straight tube of the heat transfer device of the heat exchanger. or, where appropriate, said at least one end manifold of the heat exchanger. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a modular system comprising: at least N heat exchange devices as introduced above, N being greater than or equal to two, and at least N-1 series of connecting devices, each series comprising as many connecting devices as each heat exchanger device comprises straight tubes, the heat exchanger devices being intended to be aligned, so that each end of a straight tube of a heat exchanger device The heat exchanger is located opposite one end of a straight tube of a subsequent heat exchanger device in alignment, each connecting device being intended to connect two straight tubes whose ends are in a position to to one another, to form at least a portion of a delivery circuit for a heat transfer fluid. The modular system thus advantageously allows a modulation of the exchange surface allowing in particular its use with heat pumps of different powers.

According to a feature of the modular system, the modular system comprises at least one end collector connecting at least two straight tubes, with their ends located on the same side of the N heat exchanger devices, to form, with the straight tubes and the connection devices, a routing circuit having a single inlet and a single outlet for the coolant.

According to another feature of the modular system, for a heat exchanger device of the modular system, an upper fastening element of at least one mechanical fixing support comprises a cross member engaging at least one straight tube of the heat exchanger device or a series of connecting devices or, if appropriate, said at least one end collector of the heat exchanger. Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a heat exchanger device according to a first variant of the invention, - Figure 2 shows a mechanical attachment support of the heat exchanger device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and - Figure 3 shows a modular system according to a second aspect of the invention. The terms' lower 'and' upper ',' under 'and' on ', below' and 'above' used hereinafter are considered to indicate respectively the ground side and the sky side. It is understood, by roof ridge, the upper edge of a roof, this roof may include several slopes. It is understood, by roof ridge, a sheet, usually lead, or a sequence of ridge tiles, for example ceramic, whose roof ridge is crowned. The ridge usually participates in the waterproofing of the roof. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a heat exchanger device 0 has been developed comprising a heat exchanger 1 and at least one mechanical fixing support 2 integral with the heat exchanger. Said support is intended for mechanical fixing of the heat exchanger 1 on a roof ridge.

Thus disposed at the location most exposed to air currents, the heat exchanger device 0 has the effects of ridges ridge providing a spontaneous mixing of air, and a significantly higher flow than any other other place of the dwelling. The drafts are actually stronger and more regular from 5 meters above the ground, ie beyond the height of the main obstacles (low walls, shrubs, trees, houses ...). With this effect of "natural ventilation", the efficiency of the heat exchanger device 0 is largely optimized. The exchange surface can thus be reduced compared to a passive heat exchanger which would be placed only a few decimetres from the ground. In addition, the top position of the heat exchanger device 0 makes it possible to easily evacuate the condensation water or that could be generated by a defrost cycle. Indeed, it then flows naturally on the roof before flowing gradually through the gutters. As illustrated in FIG. 2, although not limited to the second variant illustrated in this figure, the mechanical fixing support 2 may comprise a base 21, an upper fastening element 22 and at least one bar 23. The base 21 can be connected to the upper fastening element 22 by said at least one bar 23. This bar 23 is able to maintain a predetermined distance between the base 21 and the upper fastening element 22, and incidentally the heat exchanger 1 at a distance determined above the roof ridge. This distance is advantageously adjustable by the choice or adjustment of the length of said at least one bar 23. Therefore, the height reached by the heat exchanger 1 relative to the roof ridge can advantageously meet various constraints, for example aesthetic constraints. The base 21 of the mechanical fixing support 2 comes, according to a first variant, forming at least a portion of the roof ridge, or the base 21 of the mechanical fixing support 2 comes, according to a second variant, in superposition of a ridge of existing roof. According to the first variant, and more particularly when the mechanical support 2 completely forms the roof ridge, the base 21 preferably incorporates the management of the roof seal, at least at the roof ridge. For this purpose, the base 21 has a shape complementary to the shape of the roof ridge and / or is made of a chosen material. The base 21 comprises for example a sheet, usually lead, or a series of ridge tiles generally ceramic. According to the second variant, the mechanical fixing support 2 is simply and securely fastened to the roof ridge or to the frame, for example by screwing or bolting, or even by clipping onto the ridge tiles.

According to one feature, the mechanical attachment support 2 is preferably adapted to multiple roof slopes and their possible asymmetry. For this purpose, the mechanical fixing support 2 may comprise, in particular according to the second variant illustrated in FIG. 2, two legs 211, 212 extending from the lower end of the bar 23 of the mechanical fixing support 2; these two legs 211, 212 can be: - either adapted, from the manufacture of the mechanical support 2, the multiple slopes of a roof and its possible asymmetry by the choice of the angle formed between each leg 211, 212 and the bar 23, the choice of a length for each leg can also be considered; or arranged in conjunction with an adaptation device 24 making it possible to adjust independently the angle formed by a first leg 211 with the bar 23 and the angle formed by a second leg 212 with the bar 23. The adaptation device 24 is for example made using an adjusting ball joint, the latter being arranged at the hinge between the ends of junction of the two legs to the bar 23. In doing so, the heat exchanger 1 can be maintained at the end. horizontal, in that the bar 23 is kept substantially vertical, whether it is a steep roof, as can be found in a mountainous region, or in the case of a roof to very low slope, typical of dwellings in hot climate. The heat exchanger 1 preferably comprises a heat transfer device 11 and optionally at least one end connector 12.

The heat transfer device 11 preferably comprises: a plurality of fins 111 substantially parallel to each other and aligned about the same axis, and at least one straight tube 112.

Each straight tube 112 is for example disposed parallel to said axis, passes through the plurality of fins and projects from ends 1121, 1122 on either side of said plurality of fins 111. In addition, each fin 111 and each tube right 112 are joined together for example by a heat conductive junction.

Each fin is preferably made of aluminum and is, for example, spaced 3 to 4 mm from the fin 111 which succeeds it. Moreover, each fin 111 is preferably of hemicylindrical form. The concavity of each hemi-cylindrical fin 111 is preferably oriented towards the roof ridge. The heat exchanger 1 thus advantageously takes a shape corresponding to that of most of the roof ridge allowing it to fit into the overall aesthetics of the roof. The air rushes naturally between each pair of successive fins 111 and thus yields its calories to the trailing surfaces of the fins 111. The size of the half-disks or hemispheres formed by the fins 111 is chosen to allow a simplified and harmonious implantation on the roof ridge. The capture surface thus deployed provides an optimal exchange and adaptable according to need. Each straight tube 112, preferably made of copper, travels all the fins 111 and at least partly forms a delivery circuit for a coolant, such as brine or a refrigerant, that is to say say a fluid capable of recovering the calories from the outside air to transmit them for example to a heat pump. As illustrated in Figure 1, the heat exchanger 1 may further comprise at least one end manifold 12. The latter connects at least two straight tubes 112 by their ends 1121, 1122 located on the same side of the plurality 111. The right tubes 112 and said at least one end collector 12 thus form a routing circuit comprising a single inlet 13 and a single outlet 14 for the coolant, the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 being intended to be connected to the thermodynamic system. An end collector comprises, for example, a bent tube as shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of bent tubes is preferably arranged in such a way that the conveying circuit is continuous from the inlet 13 to the outlet 14 of heat transfer fluid. In the case where the heat exchanger 1 is intended to be connected to a heat pump providing only domestic hot water, a single heat exchanger device 0 covering for example 2 to 3 linear meters of ridge would suffice. However, if greater needs are to be met that require a heat pump of higher power or intended to cover other uses and therefore a larger exchange surface, it is envisaged to use several heat exchanger devices 0 connected to each other.

In this case, each heat exchanger device 0 preferentially forms a module of a modular system 30 by which the desired linear is obtained - in the limit of what can propose the existing roof, namely generally 8 linear meters. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the modular system 30 comprises: at least N heat exchanger devices 0 as described above and represented without the fins 111 in FIG. 3, N being greater than or equal to two, and less N-1 series (s) of connecting devices 32. Each series preferably comprises as many connection devices 32 as each heat exchanger device 0 comprises straight tubes 112. The heat exchanger devices 0 of the modular system 30 are intended to to be aligned, so that each end 1122 of a straight tube 112 of a heat exchanger device 0 is opposite an end 1121 of a straight tube 112 of a heat exchanger device 0 heat next in alignment.

Each connecting device being intended to connect two straight tubes 112 whose ends 1121, 1122 are in facing relation to each other, the right tubes 112 thus connected form at least a part of a circuit of routing for the heat transfer fluid.

As for each heat exchanger device 0, the modular system may comprise at least one end manifold 12. The latter then connects at least two straight tubes 112, by their ends 1121, 1122 located on the same side of the N devices. Heat exchanger 0 of the modular system 30. As shown in Figure 3, the right tubes 112, the connecting devices 32 and said at least one end collector 12 thus form a routing circuit having a single inlet 13 and a single outlet 14 for the coolant, the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 being intended to be connected to the thermodynamic system. This design makes it possible to cover different needs depending on the type of house to be heated, the different models of heat pump, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper fastening element 22 of the mechanical fastening support 2 of at least one heat exchanger device 0 of the modular system 30 comprises a crossmember 221 engaging at least two straight tubes 112 of the exchanger device. 0 or, if appropriate, said at least one end manifold 12 of the heat exchanger 1. In addition, the upper fastening element 22 of the mechanical fastening support 2 of at least one heat exchanger device heat 0 of the modular system 30 may comprise a cross member 222 engaging one of the series of connection devices 32.

Compared to an outdoor unit of conventional heat pump, in particular equipped with a fan, the noise pollution is considerably reduced. The possible acoustic effects generated by the penetration of the wind between the fins 111 will manifest whatever happens to a place remote from any user. The system therefore represents a particularly significant gain in terms of acoustic impact compared to current solutions.

In addition, the heat exchanger device 0 or the modular system 30 is now almost out of the viewer's visual range and does not represent a visually disturbing sign for the neighborhood. By considering the current codes of the building, the heat exchanger device 0 as well as the modular system 30 fit into the overall aesthetic of the house and do not impose a confrontation report unlike conventional outdoor units. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the heat exchanger device 0 and the modular system 30 according to the invention are not limited to use with a heat pump functioning as a radiator, but can also be used in connection with an air conditioner. Likewise, the shape of the fins is not limited to a hemicylindrical form; for example, a cylindrical or triangular shape can be envisaged. Therefore, the present embodiments are to be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

REVENDICATIONS1. Heat exchanger device (0) comprising a heat exchanger (1) and at least one mechanical fixing support (2) integral with the heat exchanger, said support being intended for mechanical attachment of the heat exchanger to a heat exchanger roof ridge. 2. heat exchange device (0) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment support (2) comprises a base (21) intended to form at least partly a roof ridge. 3. heat exchange device (0) according to claim 2, wherein the base (21) of the mechanical fastening support (2) forming the roof ridge has a shape complementary to the shape of the roof ridge and is made in a chosen material, to ensure a waterproof roof ridge. 4. Heat exchanger device (0) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical attachment support (2) comprises a base (21) formed of two legs (211, 212) disposed on either side of a ridge roof to be fixed. Heat exchanger device (0) according to claim 4, wherein the legs (211, 212) are arranged in conjunction with a matching device (24) for tilting the legs independently of one another. 6. Heat exchanger device (0) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mechanical fixing bracket (2) comprises: - a base (21), - an upper fastening element (22), and - at least one bar (23) integrally joining the base (21) and the upper fixing element (22), the base (21) being intended for fixing the mechanical fixing support (2) on the roof ridge or on a roof ridge, the upper fixing element (22) being intended for fixing the heat exchanger (1) to the mechanical fixing support (2), and said at least one bar (23) maintaining a determined distance between the base (21) and the upper fastening element (22). 7. Heat exchanger device (0) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat exchanger (1) comprises: - a heat transfer device (11) comprising: - a plurality of fins ( 111) substantially parallel to each other and aligned about the same axis, and - at least one straight tube (112), each straight tube (112) being disposed parallel to said axis, passing through the plurality of fins and projecting from the ends (1121, 1122) on either side of said plurality, and each fin (111) and each straight tube (112) being joined together by a heat conductive junction. 8. Heat exchanger device (0) according to claim 7, wherein each fin (10) is of hemi-cylindrical shape, the concavity of each hemicylindrical shape being oriented towards the roof ridge. 9. Heat exchanger device according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein, the heat transfer device (11) comprising at least two straight tubes (112), the heat exchanger (1) further comprises at least an end collector (12) connecting at least two straight tubes (112) at their ends (1121, 1122) on the same side of the plurality of fins (111) to form with said at least two tubes rights (112), a routing circuit having a single inlet (13) and a single outlet (14) for a heat transfer fluid. Heat exchanger device according to Claim 6 and one of Claims 7 to 9, in which the upper fastening element (22) of at least one mechanical fixing support (2) comprises a crossmember (221) in engagement with at least one right tube (112) of the heat transfer device (11) of the heat exchanger (1) or, if appropriate, the at least one end collector (12) of the heat exchanger (1). 11. Modular system (30) comprising: at least N heat exchanger devices (0) according to one of claims 7 and 8, N being greater than or equal to two, and at least N-1 series of connecting devices (32), each series comprising as many connecting devices (32) as each heat exchanger device (0) comprises straight tubes (112), the heat exchanger devices (0) being intended to be aligned, so that each end (1122) of a straight tube (112) of a heat exchanger device (0) is opposite an end (1121) of a straight tube (112) of a heat exchanger device (0) following in alignment, each connecting device being intended to connect two straight tubes (112) whose ends (1121, 1122) are located opposite one of the another, for forming at least a portion of a delivery circuit for a coolant. 12. Modular system (30) according to claim 11 further comprising at least one end manifold (12) connecting at least two straight tubes (112), by their ends (1121, 1122) located on the same side of the N heat exchanger devices (0) for forming, with the straight tubes (112) and the connecting devices (32), a conveying circuit having a single inlet (13) and a single outlet (14) for the coolant . 13. Modular system (30) according to one of claims 11 and 12, wherein, for a heat exchanger device (0) according to claim 6, the upper fastening element (22) of at least one support of mechanical fastener (2) comprises a crossmember (221, 222) engaging at least two straight tubes (112) of the heat exchanger device (0) or a series of connecting devices (32) or, if appropriate, the said minus an end collector (12) of the heat exchanger (1).