ITTV20090044A1 - TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS - Google Patents

Description

"THERMOREGULATION APPARATUS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLIMATE SYSTEMS"

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the field of thermotechnical systems for the environmental conditioning of buildings.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved thermoregulation apparatus for environmental air conditioning systems, including, for example, water heating and cooling systems.

Traditionally, the environmental air conditioning of buildings, in particular of high volume buildings, is obtained through water-based heating and cooling systems operating substantially autonomously, without effective functional / structural integration. In the most common heating systems, the thermal energy required to heat the system water is commonly supplied by a fossil fuel boiler.

In cooling systems, on the other hand, to cool the water, suitable thermodynamic machines are generally used, such as "chillers" or reversible heat pumps. In both cases, the regulation of the water temperature is entrusted to the modulation of the on / off cycles of the boiler and the chiller respectively, depending on the thermal / refrigerator load required by the heating / cooling system.

Although widespread, these known solutions are characterized by a relatively low thermodynamic efficiency and involve high operating costs.

Other known solutions involve the use of thermoregulation equipment including heat pumps, or other similar thermodynamic machines, to provide thermal / cooling energy to heat / cool the water circulating in the heating / cooling systems.

With these solutions, it is possible to improve the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the air conditioning system and obtain greater integration between the heating and cooling systems. This makes it possible to reduce operating costs, compared to more traditional solutions.

Unfortunately, currently available thermoregulation apparatuses of this type also have drawbacks.

For example, they use partial reversals of the heat transfer fluid, circulating in the thermodynamic machine, to supply the thermal / cooling energy for the management of the energy load required for the air conditioning of the building, in particular for the management of the prevailing energy load, i.e. energy load mainly required in relation to the period of the year (for example the thermal load of the heating system in the winter season and the refrigeration load of the cooling system in the summer season), and for the management of the secondary energy load, i.e. energy load required to a lesser extent in relation to the period of the year (for example the thermal load of the heating system in the summer season and the refrigeration load of the cooling system in the winter season).

Experience in the field has shown how this type of management of the energy load for the air conditioning of a building is rather laborious and does not allow, in fact, to carry out, in an automatic way, a so-called "punctual" regulation of the temperature of the system water, ie a regulation capable of following the operating conditions established by the user with continuity and satisfactory resolution (“setpoint” conditions).

To overcome this drawback, these thermoregulation devices require the presence of storage tanks or other inertial circuit breakers, in correspondence with the inlet / outlet manifolds of the air conditioning system. This leads to an increase in the structural complexity of the thermoregulation apparatus and the related installation costs.

In addition to this, the frequent inversions of the direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid lead to a lowering of the overall efficiency of the thermodynamic machine, especially at the level of the condensation / evaporation exchangers.

Finally, in these devices, the thermal / cooling energy, made available in excess for the management of the building's energy load, is disposed of at the level of the thermodynamic machine, which interfaces directly with a heat tank, by means of auxiliary batteries. of heat exchangers. This determines an increase in the structural complexity of the thermodynamic machine

The present invention aims to provide a thermoregulation apparatus for environmental air conditioning systems that allows to overcome the problems of the known art described above. In this context, the present invention aims to provide a thermoregulation apparatus that allows the prevailing and secondary energy load of the building to be air-conditioned to be managed simultaneously and efficiently.

The present invention also aims to provide a thermoregulation apparatus that allows you to make a timely adjustment of the system water temperature of the heating / cooling system of a building, without the use of storage tanks or inertial circuit breakers.

The present invention furthermore proposes to provide a thermoregulation apparatus which allows to obtain, for the air conditioning system, high thermodynamic performances with respect to those currently achievable with known thermoregulation apparatuses. The present invention also proposes to provide a thermoregulation apparatus which has a relatively simple and easy to install structure.

The present invention also aims to provide a thermoregulation apparatus that allows to reduce the overall operating costs of the air conditioning system.

Finally, the present invention proposes to provide a thermoregulation apparatus which is highly reliable and easy and economical to manufacture in an industrial way.

This aim and these objects, as well as other objects which will become evident from the following description and the attached drawings, are achieved, according to the present invention, by a thermoregulation apparatus for environmental conditioning systems, according to claim 1 attached hereafter.

In its most general definition, the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, includes a heat exchange section, which includes at least one heat exchange unit, preferably consisting of a refrigeration machine. The heat exchange unit comprises at least one compressor, a first heat exchanger, advantageously arranged so as to constitute the condensing unit of the heat exchange unit, and a second heat exchanger, advantageously arranged so as to constitute its evaporation unit.

The thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, also provides a first thermoregulation section that interfaces operationally with at least one water heating system and the first heat exchanger of the heat exchange unit.

The thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, also provides a second thermoregulation section that interfaces operationally with at least one water cooling system and the second heat exchanger of the heat exchange unit. The aforementioned first and second thermoregulation sections also operationally overlook an energy dissipation section designed to exchange thermal energy between at least one external heat tank and the water circulating in the aforementioned thermoregulation sections.

The use of differentiated thermoregulation sections allows you to simultaneously and continuously adjust the water temperature of the room heating / cooling system, in any condition of energy load required for the air conditioning of a building.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in fact, the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, is capable of assuming a first operating configuration, when the thermal load of the heating system is prevalent with respect to the cooling load of the system. cooling system, and a second operating configuration, when the cooling load of the cooling system is prevalent with respect to the thermal load of the heating system.

When the apparatus is in the first operational configuration, the thermoregulation of the water in the first thermoregulation section takes place by appropriately modulating the work performed by the heat exchange unit, without heat exchange with the energy dissipation section. The thermoregulation of the water in the second thermoregulation section, on the other hand, takes place by suitably modulating the absorption of cooling energy from the heat exchange unit (or, in other words, modulating the transfer of thermal energy to the heat exchange unit), by means of heat exchange with the energy dissipation section.

When the apparatus, according to the present invention, is in the second operating configuration, the thermoregulation of the water in the second thermoregulation section takes place by suitably modulating the work performed by the heat exchange unit, without heat exchange with the energy dissipation section. The thermoregulation of the water in the first thermoregulation section, on the other hand, takes place by appropriately modulating the absorption of thermal energy from the heat exchange unit, by means of heat exchange with the energy dissipation section.

The thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, also has a relatively high thermodynamic efficiency and allows to avoid the use of inertial accumulators / circuit breakers, with significant structural simplifications and minimization of the amount of system water used.

The fact that the disposal of the thermal / cooling energy takes place through at least one energy dissipation section, operationally connected to the aforementioned thermoregulation sections and not directly to the heat transfer fluid circuit of the heat exchange unit, allows to improve the efficiency of the thermoregulation. and, on the other hand, to considerably simplify the structure of the heat exchange unit.

The above involves a significant reduction in installation costs and operating costs of the environmental air conditioning system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the heat exchange unit, the heat transfer fluid constantly circulates in a predefined direction, without inversions. In this way, each heat exchanger of the heat exchange unit can be advantageously arranged to work constantly in counter-current conditions, i.e. with the heat transfer fluid of the heat exchange unit circulating in the opposite direction to that of the water circulating in the respective thermoregulation section to which the heat exchanger is operationally connected.

This allows to further improve the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus, according to the present invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically illustrates the structure of the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention; And

- Figure 2 illustrates, in greater detail, the structure of the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention; And

- Figure 3 illustrates the structure of the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, in a first operating configuration; And

- Figure 4 illustrates the structure of the thermoregulation apparatus, according to the present invention, in a second operating configuration; And

- Figure 5 schematically illustrates a typical trend of the thermal / refrigerator load required for the air conditioning of a building in the various months of the year.

With reference to the attached figures, the present invention refers to a thermoregulation apparatus 10 for environmental conditioning systems of buildings.

The present invention is particularly suitable for use in air conditioning systems of buildings or portions of large buildings, such as for example business and commercial centers, hospitals, hotels, industrial plants and so on, and will now be described with reference to this. kind of employment.

It is understood that, in principle, the present invention could be used in air conditioning systems relating to buildings with smaller volumes, such as for example buildings for residential use or the like.

The thermoregulation apparatus 10 comprises at least a first thermoregulation section 1, suitable for regulating the temperature of the water circulating in at least one space heating system 100, and a second thermoregulation section 2, suitable for regulating the temperature of the water circulating in at least one room cooling system 200.

Both the heating system 100 and the cooling system 200 can include multiple sections in parallel, each relating to the relative inlet / outlet manifolds 100A and 200A, in turn operationally connected to the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2, respectively.

The thermoregulation apparatus 10 includes at least one energy dissipation section 3, operationally connected to the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2.

The energy dissipation section 3 is advantageously adapted to exchange thermal energy between at least one external heat tank 300 (for example an aquifer) and the water circulating in the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2.

As we will see better below, under certain operating conditions of the thermoregulation apparatus 10, the energy dissipation section 3 is able to absorb thermal energy (or, in other words, to release cooling energy) from (a) the circulating water in the thermoregulation section 1 and to release thermal energy (or, in other words, absorb cooling energy) to (from) the water circulating in the thermoregulation section 2.

For this purpose, the dissipation section 3 can advantageously be provided (or be prepared for connection) with (with) one or more heat exchangers suitable for performing a heat exchange between the water circulating in the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2 and water (or other fluid) from the heat tank 300.

The thermoregulation apparatus 10 also includes a heat exchange section 4, which operationally interfaces with the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2.

The heat exchange section 4 comprises at least one heat exchange unit 43, provided with at least a first heat exchanger 41 and a second heat exchanger 42.

The heat exchanger 41 is able to transfer thermal energy from a heat transfer fluid to the water circulating in the thermoregulation section 1. It is therefore able to make thermal energy available for heating the water circulating in the thermoregulation section 1.

The second heat exchanger 42 is instead able to transfer thermal energy from the water circulating in the second thermoregulation section 2 to the aforementioned heat transfer fluid. It is therefore able to absorb thermal energy from the water circulating in the thermoregulation section 2 or, in other words, to make available refrigeration energy for cooling the water circulating in the thermoregulation section 2.

From the above, it is evident that the heat exchangers 41 and 42 respectively constitute the condensation and evaporation units of the heat exchange unit 4. The heat exchange section 4 can comprise one or more heat exchange units 43, operatively connected in parallel.

Each of the aforesaid heat exchange units comprises, in turn, one or more circuits for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid.

Each of these circuits advantageously comprises at least one compressor device 430 and, preferably, the pressure transducers 431 and 432, respectively adapted to detect the condensation and evaporation pressure of the circulating heat-carrying fluid.

For simplicity of explanation, from now on reference will be made to the case in which the heat exchange section 4 comprises a single heat exchange unit 43 provided with a single circuit for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid comprising a compressor device 430.

According to a preferred embodiment, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the heat exchange unit 43 occurs constantly according to a predefined direction, without cycle inversions.

Thus, preferably, from the point of view of the user of the heating and cooling systems 100 and 200, the exchange unit 43 works constantly as a refrigeration unit, from whose condensation units 41 and evaporation 42 the thermoregulation apparatus 10 can receive the thermal and cooling energy necessary to heat and cool the water in correspondence with the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2 comprises a plurality of hydronic groups adapted to suitably regulate the circulation of water in the heat exchangers 41 and 42 and in correspondence with the heat exchange section 3.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermoregulation section 1 comprises a first hydronic unit 11, operatively connected to the heat exchanger 41.

The hydronic group 11 advantageously comprises a series of pipes designed to send a flow of water to the inlet manifold of the heat exchanger 41 and to receive a flow of water from the outlet manifold of the same.

In this way, a flow of water circulating in the thermoregulation section 1 can always pass through the heat exchanger 41, in order to be able to absorb the thermal energy, made available there, and then heat up.

The hydronic unit 11 advantageously comprises a first circulator device 111, for example a pump, arranged in series with respect to the inlet or outlet of the exchanger 41 A first temperature sensor 112 and a second temperature sensor 113 are advantageously arranged respectively in correspondence of the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 41, so as to detect the temperature of the water entering and leaving it.

The first hydronic unit 11 advantageously also comprises a by-pass device 114, operatively connected between the outlet of the heat exchanger 41 and the inlet of the circulator device 111, so as to be connected in parallel with respect to the assembly formed by the device circulator 111 and the heat exchanger 41.

The by-pass device 114 allows the water leaving the heat exchanger 41 to be circulated towards the suction inlet of the circulating device 111, so as to be able to increase the temperature of the water entering the heat exchanger 41 itself, in case of necessity.

The thermoregulation section 1 advantageously also includes a second hydronic group 12, operatively connected between the hydronic group 11 and the heating system 100.

The hydronic group 12 advantageously comprises a series of pipes to connect the inlet / outlet manifolds of the heating system 100 with the inlet / outlet manifolds of the hydronic group 11.

The hydronic unit 12 advantageously comprises a third temperature sensor 121, suitable for detecting the temperature of the water entering the heating system 100, and a fourth temperature sensor 122, suitable for detecting the temperature of the water leaving the heating system 100.

The thermoregulation section 1 advantageously also comprises a third hydronic group 13, operatively connected between the first hydronic group 11 and the energy dissipation section 4.

The hydronic group 13 advantageously comprises a series of pipes to connect the inlet / outlet manifolds of the energy dissipation section 3 with the inlet / outlet manifolds of the hydronic groups 11 and / or 12.

The hydronic unit 13 comprises blocking devices (for example electro-hydraulic valves) to enable / disable the circulation of a flow of water to / from the energy dissipation section 3. For this purpose, a first blocking device 131 is advantageously provided. a second blocking device 132 respectively at the input and at the output to / from the aforementioned energy dissipation section 3.

The thermoregulation section 1 advantageously comprises first mixing means 14 adapted to receive water flows F1, F2 coming respectively from the hydronic units 12 and 13, to mix the water flows received at the inlet, and to supply a flow of water at the outlet. FOUT1 water to be sent to the inlet of the hydronic unit 11, and therefore to the heat exchanger 41. The first mixing means 14 preferably comprise a three-way control valve, with proportional action, which is capable of continuously mixing the inlet water flows F1 and F2 to obtain the FOUT1 water flow to be sent inlet to the hydronic unit 11 and to the heat exchanger 41.

The thermoregulation section 2 preferably has a structure similar to that of the thermoregulation section 1.

It advantageously comprises a fourth hydronic group 21, operatively connected to the heat exchanger 42.

The hydronic group 21 advantageously comprises a series of pipes arranged in such a way as to send a flow of water to the inlet manifold of the heat exchanger 42 and to receive a flow of water from the outlet manifold of the same.

In this way, a flow of water circulating in the thermoregulation section 2 can always pass through the heat exchanger 42, in order to be able to absorb the cooling energy, made available there, and therefore to cool.

The hydronic group 21 advantageously comprises a second circulator device 211, for example a pump, arranged in series with respect to the inlet or outlet of the exchanger 42.

A fifth temperature sensor 212 and a sixth temperature sensor 213 are advantageously arranged respectively at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 42, in order to detect the temperature of the water entering and leaving it.

The thermoregulation section 1 advantageously also comprises a fifth hydronic unit 22, operationally connected between the hydronic unit 21 and the cooling system The hydronic unit 22 advantageously comprises a series of pipes suitable for connecting the inlet / outlet manifolds of the system cooling 200 with the inlet / outlet manifolds of the hydronic unit 21.

The hydronic unit 22 advantageously comprises a seventh temperature sensor 221, suitable for detecting the temperature of the water entering the cooling system 200, and an eighth temperature sensor 222, suitable for detecting the temperature of the water leaving the cooling system 200.

Preferably, the hydronic unit 22 comprises a third circulator device 223 operatively connected between the outlet and inlet of the cooling system 200. The circulator device 223 has the task of forcing the circulation of water in the cooling system 200, in some operating situations, for example in conditions of zero refrigeration load.

The thermoregulation section 2 advantageously also comprises a sixth hydronic group 23, operatively connected between the first hydronic group 21 and the energy dissipation section 3.

The hydronic group 23 advantageously comprises a series of pipes designed to connect the inlet / outlet manifolds of the energy dissipation section 3 with the inlet / outlet manifolds of the hydronic units 21 and / or 22.

The hydronic unit 23 comprises blocking devices (for example electro-hydraulic valves) to enable / disable the circulation of a flow of water to / from the energy dissipation section 3. For this purpose, a first blocking device 231 is advantageously provided. and a second block device 232 respectively at the input and at the output to / from the energy dissipation section 3.

The thermoregulation section 2 advantageously comprises second mixing means 24 adapted to receive water flows F3 and F4 coming respectively from the hydronic units 22 and 23, to mix the water flows thus received at the inlet, and to supply a flow at the outlet. FOUT2 water to be sent to the inlet of the hydronic unit 21, and then to the heat exchanger 42.

The mixing means 24 preferably comprise a three-way control valve, with proportional action, which is able to continuously mix the water flows F3 and F4 to obtain the FOUT2 water flow.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermoregulation apparatus 10 also comprises a control unit 70 provided with at least one digital processing unit 701 and a user interface 702.

Advantageously, the control unit 70 can also include electromechanical power devices for operating the actuator members of the thermoregulation apparatus 10 and serial communication bus of data / command signals.

The user interface 702 can, for example, include access ports to the serial communication buses, serial ports for connection to a local network of temperature control devices, serial ports for connection with remote programming devices of the functions of the temperature control device 10 , manual selectors for manual programming of the functions of the thermoregulation apparatus 10, inputs / outputs for signaling and sending commands.

With reference to Figure 5, the annual trends of the thermal load and refrigeration load required for the heating system 100 and the cooling system 200 for the air conditioning of a building are represented.

By "thermal load" of the heating system 100 we mean the amount of thermal energy that the heating system 100 must yield to the environmental spaces of the building to meet the environmental heating parameters set by the user.

By "cooling load" of the cooling system we mean the amount of thermal energy that the cooling system 100 must absorb from the environmental spaces of the building to meet the environmental cooling parameters set by the user. In zones "A1" and "A2", corresponding to the months of the winter season, it can be observed that the thermal load of the heating system 100 is higher than the refrigeration load of the cooling system 200. In this situation, the thermal load of the The heating system 100 constitutes the main energy load of the building while the refrigeration load of the cooling system 200 constitutes its secondary energy load.

In zone "B", corresponding to the months of the summer season, it can instead be observed that the refrigeration load of the cooling system 200 is higher than the thermal load of the heating system 100. In this situation, the refrigeration load of the heating system cooling 200 constitutes the prevailing energy load for the air conditioning of the building while the thermal load of the heating system 100 constitutes its secondary energy load.

According to the invention, in order to regulate the water temperature of the heating and cooling systems 100 and 200, the thermoregulation apparatus 10 is able to assume several operating configurations (Figures 3-4), depending on the nature of the prevailing energy load and secondary energy load.

When it is in a first operating configuration (figure 3), advantageously assumed in conditions of prevailing thermal load and secondary cooling load (zones "A1" and "A2" of figure 5), the thermoregulation apparatus 10 uses the power of the compressor 430 to make available the thermal energy necessary for the thermoregulation of the water in the heating system 100.

The first operational configuration of the thermoregulation apparatus 10 therefore provides that the work of the heat exchange unit 4 is modulated by the control unit 70 in the first place to satisfy the thermal load present in the heating system 100 (prevailing energy load) , without heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3.

According to this first operating configuration, in the thermoregulation section 1, the circulator device 111 is kept constantly active so as to ensure the constant circulation of water within the heat exchanger 41.

The blocking devices 131 and 132 of the hydronic group 13 are kept closed, so as to prevent the circulation of water in the hydronic group 13 and, consequently, any heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3.

The mixing means 14 are arranged so that the flow of water leaving the heating system 100 is sent directly to the inlet of the hydronic unit 11 and the heat exchanger 41, without any mixing with the water of the hydronic unit 13 The mixing valve 14 is therefore kept constantly in the operating position BàAB (Figure 3). The water flow F1 coincides with the water flow FOUT1, with F2 = 0.

In this way, the thermal energy made available by the heat exchanger 41 is used for the thermoregulation of the water entering the heating system 100, without dissipation at the energy dissipation section 3.

The regulation of the water temperature is done in a relatively simple way.

The water temperature leaving the heating system and entering the heat exchanger 41 is detected by temperature sensors 122 and 112, respectively. The water temperature leaving the heat exchanger 41 and entering the heating system 100 is detected by the temperature sensors 113 and 121, respectively. On the basis of the sensing signals received, the control unit 70 generates command signals for the compressor 430, so that the latter provides the useful power to make available the amount of thermal energy necessary to heat the water at the heat exchanger. heat 41, in order to satisfy the “set point” conditions set by the user.

When the apparatus 10 is in the aforementioned first operating configuration, the thermoregulation of the water of the cooling system 200 takes place by suitably modulating the absorption of cooling energy from the heat exchange unit 43, by means of heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3.

In other words, the thermoregulation of the water is carried out using, in proportion to the cooling load to be satisfied, the cooling energy made simultaneously available by the heat exchange unit 43, in correspondence with the heat exchanger 42, and dissipating, in correspondence of the energy dissipation section 3, the cooling energy supplied in excess of the cooling load to be satisfied (secondary energy load).

This regulation of the water temperature is obtained by appropriately regulating the mixing means 24.

According to the aforementioned first operating configuration, in the thermoregulation section 2, the circulator device 211 is constantly kept active to ensure the circulation of water in the heat exchanger 42.

The blocking devices 231 and 232 are kept open in order to enable the circulation of water in the hydronic group 23.

The mixing means 24 are instead arranged so as to mix the water flow F3, coming from the cooling system 200 and the water flow F4, coming from the hydronic unit 23, in a manner proportional to the required refrigeration load.

Under non-zero cooling load conditions, the mixing valve 24 is therefore kept in an intermediate position between the positions AàAB and BàAB (figure 3), so as to mix the water (F3) coming from the cooling system 200 with the water (F4) coming from the heat exchange section 3.

In this case, the thermoregulation of the water of the cooling system 200 takes place as follows.

The water temperature leaving the cooling system 200 and entering the heat exchanger 42 is detected by the temperature sensors 222 and 212, respectively. The water temperature leaving the heat exchanger 42 and entering the cooling system 200 is detected by the temperature sensors 213 and 221, respectively. On the basis of the received detection signals, the control unit 70 generates command signals for regulating the operating position of the regulating valve 24 (and therefore the mixing of the water flows F3 and F4), so as to absorb the quantity of cooling energy sufficient to satisfy the “set point” conditions, set by the user, and therefore to satisfy the cooling load of the cooling system 200.

In this way, the cooling energy made available by the heat exchange unit 3, at the heat exchanger 42, thanks to the power supplied by the compressor 430 for regulating the water temperature at the thermoregulation section 1, is used according to the actual cooling load, dissipating the excess quota, in correspondence with the energy dissipation section 3.

Under zero refrigerant load conditions, the mixing valve 24 will be permanently in the position AàAB (Figure 3). The water flow F4 thus coincides with the water flow FOUT2, with F3 = 0.

In this case, all the cooling energy made available at the heat exchanger 42 will be dissipated in the energy dissipation section 3.

To keep the water temperature of the cooling system 200 within the limits established by the "set-point" conditions, the control unit 70 periodically activates the circulator device 223, according to the temperature detection signals received from the sensors temperature 221 and 222.

The circulator device 223 is not activated if the cooling system has been disabled by the user.

When the apparatus 10 is in the first operating configuration, described above, the regulation of the water temperature may require some auxiliary functions, in correspondence with the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2, said auxiliary functions being aimed at improving the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the thermoregulation apparatus 10.

In the thermoregulation section 1, if the temperature of the water entering the heat exchanger 41, detected by the temperature sensor 112, is lower than a predefined threshold value, the control unit 70 generates command signals for activate the by-pass device 114, so as to convey the water leaving the heat exchanger 41 towards the suction area of the circulator device 111. This allows the temperature of the water entering the heat exchanger 41 to be raised. As the water temperature increases, the control unit generates signals to proportionally close the by-pass device 114, up to its complete deactivation when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 112 has risen above the threshold value planned.

The use of the by-pass device allows to improve the heat exchange between the water and the heat transfer fluid, in correspondence with the heat exchanger 41, even in the presence of relatively low temperatures for the water coming from the heating system 100. thermoregulation section 2, in the event that the temperature of the water entering the heat exchanger 42, detected by the temperature sensor 212, is higher than a predefined threshold value, the control unit 70 generates command signals to regulate the regulating valve 24, so as to further increase the mixing with the water coming from the heat exchange section 3. As the water temperature decreases, the control unit will return the regulating valve 24 to the operating position selected for satisfy the cooling load of the cooling system 200.

When it is in a second operating configuration (figure 4), advantageously assumed in conditions of prevailing cooling load and secondary thermal load (zone "B" of figure 5), the thermoregulation apparatus 10 uses the power of the compressor 430 to make available the cooling energy necessary for the thermoregulation of the water in the cooling system 200.

The second operating configuration of the thermoregulation apparatus 10 therefore provides that the work of the heat exchange unit 4 is modulated by the control unit 70 in the first place to satisfy the refrigeration load present in the cooling system 200 (prevailing energy load) , without heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3. According to this second operating configuration, in the thermoregulation section 2, the circulator device 211 is kept constantly active so as to ensure the constant circulation of the water within the heat exchanger 42.

The blocking devices 231 and 232 of the hydronic group 23 are kept closed, so as to prevent the circulation of water in the hydronic group 23 and, consequently, any heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3.

The mixing means 24 are arranged so that the flow of water leaving the heating system 100 is sent directly to the inlet of the hydronic unit 21 and the heat exchanger 42, without any mixing with the water of the hydronic unit 23. The mixing valve 24 is therefore kept constantly in the operating position BàAB (Figure 4). The water flow F3 coincides with the water flow FOUT2, with F4 = 0.

In this way, the cooling energy made available by the heat exchanger 42 is completely used for the thermoregulation of the water entering the cooling system 200, without dissipation at the energy dissipation section 3.

The regulation of the water temperature takes place as follows.

The water temperature leaving the cooling system 200 and entering the heat exchanger 42 is detected by the temperature sensors 222 and 212, respectively. The water temperature leaving the heat exchanger 42 and entering the cooling system 200 is detected by the temperature sensors 213 and 221, respectively. On the basis of the received detection signals, the control unit 70 generates command signals for the compressor 430, so that the latter provides the useful power to make available the amount of cooling energy necessary to cool the water at the heat exchanger. heat 42, in order to satisfy the “set point” conditions, set by the user for the cooling system 200.

When the apparatus 10 is in the aforementioned second operating configuration, the thermoregulation of the water of the heating system 100 takes place by suitably modulating the absorption of thermal energy from the heat exchange unit 43, by means of heat exchange with the energy dissipation section 3.

In other words, the thermoregulation of the water is carried out using the thermal energy made available at the same time by the heat exchange unit 43, in correspondence with the heat exchanger 41, and dissipating, in correspondence with the energy dissipation section 3, the share in excess with respect to the thermal load to be satisfied (secondary energy load).

This regulation of the water temperature is obtained by appropriately adjusting the mixing means 14.

According to the aforementioned first operating configuration, in the thermoregulation section 1, the circulator device 111 is constantly kept active in order to ensure the circulation of water in the heat exchanger 41.

The blocking devices 131 and 132 are kept open in order to enable the circulation of water in the hydronic group 13.

The mixing means 14 are instead arranged so as to mix the water flow F1, coming from the heating system 100 and the water flow F2, coming from the hydronic group 13, in a manner proportional to the required thermal load.

In conditions of non-zero thermal load, the mixing valve 14 is therefore kept in an intermediate position between the positions AàAB and BàAB (figure 4), so as to mix the water F1 coming from the heating system 100 with the water F2 coming from the heat exchange section 3.

In this case, the thermoregulation of the water of the heating system 100 takes place as follows.

The water temperature leaving the heating system 100 and entering the heat exchanger 41 is detected by the temperature sensors 122 and 112, respectively. The water temperature leaving the heat exchanger 41 and entering the heating system 100 is detected by the temperature sensors 113 and 121, respectively. On the basis of the received detection signals, the control unit 70 generates command signals for regulating the operating position of the regulating valve 14 (and therefore the mixing of the water flows F1 and F2), so as to absorb only the quantity of thermal energy sufficient to satisfy the “set point” conditions, set by the user, and therefore to satisfy the thermal load of the heating system 100.

In conditions of zero thermal load, the mixing valve 14 will be permanently in the position AàAB. The water flow F2 thus coincides with the water flow FOUT1, with F1 = 0.

In this case, all the thermal energy made available at the heat exchanger 41 is dissipated in the energy dissipation section 3.

To maintain the temperature of the water of the heating system 100 within the limits established by the "set-point" conditions, the control unit 70 periodically activates the mixing valve 14 in the operating position BàAB, at the same time carrying out a detection of the temperature of the water leaving the heating system 100, by means of the temperature sensor 122.

In this way, the natural decay of the water temperature in the heating system is kept under control 100.

Even when the apparatus 10 is in the second operating configuration, described above, the water regulation may require some auxiliary functions aimed at improving the overall thermodynamic efficiency.

In the thermoregulation section 1, if the temperature of the water entering the heat exchanger 41, detected by the temperature sensor 112, is lower than a predefined threshold value, the control unit 70 generates command signals for activate the by-pass device 114, in a manner substantially similar to that described above.

The operating configurations of the heating apparatus 10 can be set manually by the user by acting on the control unit 70, before or during the activation of the thermoregulation apparatus 10.

Alternatively, the operational configuration to be assumed can be decided automatically by the control unit 70, during the activation phase of the thermoregulation apparatus 10.

To this end, the control unit 70 uses, as a control variable, the temperature of the water sent out from the cooling system 200, by means of the temperature sensor 222.

If the water temperature is higher than a predefined threshold value TH1, the control unit 70 generates command signals to make the thermoregulation apparatus assume the aforementioned second operating configuration.

If the water temperature is lower than the predefined threshold value TH1 but higher than a threshold value TH2 = TH1-∆T and the thermoregulation apparatus 10 had already assumed the aforementioned second operating configuration, during the last activation, the control unit 70 generates command signals to make the thermoregulation apparatus assume the aforementioned second operating configuration.

In all other cases, the control unit 70 generates command signals to make the thermoregulation apparatus 10 assume the aforementioned first operating configuration.

According to a preferred embodiment, the operating configuration to be assumed can be automatically decided by the control unit 70, even during the operation of the thermoregulation apparatus 10.

To this end, in the event that the thermoregulation apparatus 10 is in the first operating configuration, the control unit 70 generates command signals to make the thermoregulation apparatus 10 assume the aforementioned second operating configuration, in the following cases:

- when the thermal load required of the heating system 100 is such as to require the deactivation of the compressor 430 of the heat exchange unit 43 and all the refrigeration energy made available at the same time is used to satisfy the refrigeration load of the cooling system 200 ; or

- when the temperature of the water leaving the cooling system, detected by the temperature sensor 222, exceeds a predefined threshold value; or

- when, with the compressor 430 deactivated, the temperature of the water leaving the heating system 100, detected by the temperature sensor 122, exceeds a predefined threshold value.

Conversely, in the event that the thermoregulation apparatus 10 is in the second operating configuration, the control unit 70 generates command signals to make the thermoregulation apparatus 10 assume the aforementioned first operating configuration, in the following cases:

- when the cooling load required from the cooling system 200 is such as to require the deactivation of the compressor 430 of the heat exchange unit 43 and all the thermal energy made available at the same time is used to satisfy the thermal load of the heating system 100 ; or

- when the water temperature leaving the heating system 100, detected by the temperature sensor 122, exceeds a predefined threshold value; or

- when, with the compressor 430 deactivated, the temperature of the water leaving the cooling system 200, detected by the temperature sensor 222, falls below a predefined threshold value.

In practice it has been verified that the thermoregulation apparatus 100, according to the present invention, allows to achieve the intended purposes.

The thermoregulation apparatus 100 mainly uses the work of the heat exchange unit 4 to perform the thermoregulation of the system water with prevailing energy load.

For the plant with secondary energy load, on the other hand, the thermoregulation of the water takes place simply by adjusting the operating status of the adjustment means 14 or 24, in order to exploit the thermal / cooling energy made available in any case by the heat exchange unit. 3, in proportion to the entity of the secondary energy load, dissipating the excess quota in correspondence with the energy dissipation section 3. This allows to obtain a high overall thermodynamic efficiency and to always continuously regulate the water temperature, whatever the load energy required for building air conditioning.

Further improvements in thermodynamic efficiency are achievable thanks to the auxiliary functions implemented in the thermoregulation sections 1 and 2.

This allows you to significantly reduce the operating costs of the building's air conditioning system.

The thermoregulation apparatus 100 has a relatively simple structure both at the level of the interface with the heating / cooling systems and at the level of the heat exchange unit 4.

The thermoregulation apparatus 100 has a remarkable versatility and reliability of operation and can be easily programmed by the user according to the needs.

The thermoregulation apparatus 100 is also easy to install and industrial construction, at very competitive costs.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Thermoregulation apparatus (10) for environmental air conditioning systems characterized in that it comprises at least: - a first thermoregulation section (1) suitable for adjusting the temperature of the water circulating in at least one space heating system (100); And - a second thermoregulation section (2) suitable for adjusting the temperature of the water circulating in at least one room cooling system (200); And - an energy dissipation section (3), operatively connected to said first thermoregulation section and to said second thermoregulation section, said energy dissipation section being able to exchange thermal energy between at least one external heat reservoir (300) and water circulating in said first thermoregulation section and in said second thermoregulation section; And - a heat exchange section (4), operatively connected to said first thermoregulation section and to said second thermoregulation section, said heat exchange section comprising at least a heat exchange unit (43) provided with at least compressor device (430) , a first heat exchanger (41), suitable for transferring thermal energy from a heat-carrying fluid to the water circulating in said first thermoregulation section, and a second heat exchanger (42), suitable for transferring thermal energy from the circulating water in said second thermoregulation section to said heat carrier fluid. 2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that said heat exchange unit comprises a circuit for the circulation of a heat-carrying fluid, the circulation of said heat-carrying fluid, in said circuit, constantly taking place according to a predefined direction. 3. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first thermoregulation section comprises: - a first hydronic group (11), operatively connected to said first heat exchanger; And - a second hydronic group (12), operationally connected between said first hydronic group and said space heating system; And - a third hydronic group (13), operatively connected between said first hydronic group and said energy dissipation section; And - first mixing means (14) suitable for receiving and mixing water flows (F1, F2), coming from said second hydronic group and said third hydronic group, at an inlet and supplying a water flow ( FOUT1) to be sent in input to said first hydronic group. 4. Apparatus, according to claim 3, characterized in that said first hydronic unit comprises a first circulator device (111), a first temperature sensor (112), adapted to detect the temperature of the water entering said first heat exchanger heat, and a second temperature sensor (113), adapted to detect the temperature of the water leaving said first heat exchanger. 5. Apparatus, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said first hydronic group comprises a by-pass device (114), operationally connected between the output of said first heat exchanger and the inlet of said first circulator device. 6. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said second hydronic unit comprises a third temperature sensor (121), suitable for detecting the temperature of the water entering said heating system. environment, and a fourth temperature sensor (122), suitable for detecting the temperature of the water at the outlet of said space heating system. 7. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said third hydronic group comprises a first blocking device (131) and a second blocking device (132) to enable / disable the circulation of water to be / to said energy dissipation section. 8. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second thermoregulation section comprises: - a fourth hydronic group (21) operatively connected to said second heat exchanger; And - a fifth hydronic group (22) operationally connected between said second hydronic group and said room cooling system; and - a sixth hydronic group (23) operatively connected between said third hydronic group and said energy dissipation section; And - second mixing means (24) adapted to receive and mix water flows (F3, F4) coming from said fifth hydronic group and said sixth hydronic group at the inlet and to supply a water flow (FOUT2) from send in input to said fourth hydronic group. 9. Apparatus, according to claim 8, characterized in that said fourth hydronic unit comprises a second circulator device (211), a fifth temperature sensor (212), suitable for detecting the temperature of the water entering said second heat exchanger heat, and a sixth temperature sensor (213), adapted to detect the temperature of the water leaving said second heat exchanger. 10. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that said fifth hydronic unit comprises a seventh temperature sensor (221), suitable for detecting the temperature of the water entering said cooling system. room, and an eighth temperature sensor (222), adapted to detect the temperature of the water leaving said room cooling system. 11. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said fifth hydronic unit comprises a third circulator device (223), operatively connected between an outlet manifold and an inlet manifold of said system of ambient cooling. 12. Apparatus, according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said sixth hydronic unit comprises a third blocking device (231) and a fourth blocking device (232) for the circulation of water from / to said section of energy dissipation. 13. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said heat exchange unit constitutes a refrigeration unit. 14. Apparatus, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact of comprising a control unit (70) equipped with at least one digital processing unit (701) and a user interface (702). 15. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it assumes a first operating configuration, when the thermal load of said heating system is prevalent with respect to the cooling load of said cooling system. 16. Apparatus, according to claim 15, characterized in that when said apparatus assumes said first operating configuration: - the thermoregulation of the water in said first thermoregulation section takes place by modulating the work done by said heat exchange unit, without heat exchange with said energy dissipation section; And - the thermoregulation of the water in said second thermoregulation section takes place by modulating the absorption of cooling energy from said heat exchange unit, by means of heat exchange with said energy dissipation section. 17. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it assumes a second operating configuration, when the cooling load of said cooling system is prevalent with respect to the thermal load of said heating system. 18. Apparatus, according to claim 17, characterized in that when said apparatus assumes said second operating configuration: - the thermoregulation of the water in said second thermoregulation section takes place by modulating the work done by said heat exchange unit, without heat exchange with said energy dissipation section; - the thermoregulation of the water in said first thermoregulation section takes place by modulating the absorption of thermal energy from said heat exchange unit, by means of heat exchange with said energy dissipation section.