GB823689A - Improvements in or relating to heat pump apparatus comprising a pressure exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

823,689. Refrigerating drying air. SPALDING, D. B. March 21, 1956 [March 24, 1955(2)], Nos. 8659/55 and 8660/55. 8660/55. Classes 29 and 34(1) [Also in Group XXVIII] Heat pump apparatus includes a pressure exchanger cell assembly 10 in circuit with a low temperature heat source 25, a heat input means 20 for increasing the heat energy of the fluid contents, of the cells and a heat sink 23 for rejecting heat at a temperature intermediate the temperatures of the low temperature heat source 25 and the heat input 20; the sink 23 is connected through a throttle 24 to the source 25. In a modification the contents of the cells remaining after closure to the port 22 are withdrawn, cooled and returned to the cells. The working fluid may be dichlorodifluoromethane. In a modification separate refrigerant (e.g. hydrogen) and working fluids are employed. The flow through the circuit may be aided by ejectors. Air may be used in an open circuit arrangement and direct heating with combustion gases, entering the cells may be employed. The heat input may be supplied by a second pressure exchanger. In a modification a drying chamber 160, Fig. 14, is in circuit with a pressure exchanger having a heat input stage 116 and a heat sink 119 so that moisture laden fluid from the drying chamber 160 passes to the pressure exchanger, liquid being condensed in the sink 119 and separated in a separator 157 while fresh air is drawn into the chamber 160. In a modification a pressure equaliser in which steam, and fluid drawn from the drying chamber are mixed, is used, the resulting mixture being condensed in a heat sink in the drying chamber.