RU2534184C2 - Modular multiple-energy thermodynamic device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: power industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a system providing the simultaneous generation of hot water with a temperature T2, warm water with a temperature T1 and/or cold water with a temperature T3 and electricity. The above system includes at least one current generator assembly that includes a thermal engine connected to an alternating current generator or a fuel cell battery. The above system includes at least one heat pump or a cooling assembly, and an electrical accumulator when necessary. A compressor or a circulating pump is brought into action by an electric motor that can be fed from the above current generators. The above system includes at least one module called a heat pump module, or at least one module called a cooling module, or at least one module called a mixed heat pump and cooling module. The above generating assembly is enclosed inside the generator module; with that, each of the above modules includes a carrier and an assembly forming a mounting transition, made so that the above modules can be connected one after another, thus forming a unitary complex.

EFFECT: invention is aimed at the simultaneous generation of water of a different temperature; possible operation at higher capacities.

26 cl, 42 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a system or device of modular design, comprising at least one module-generator of electric current and one or more modules of the following type: heat pumps, cooling unit, or mixed modules such as heat pump / cooling, providing simultaneous production of warm water, for example , for space heating, hot water, for example tap hot water, cold water, for example, for conditioning, possibly a cooling medium, usually for cooling, and, possibly, production about electricity.

State of the art

Known systems containing heat pumps driven by heat engines and using a cooling cycle by vapor compression. Such a system is described in patent application EP 1 628 096 (LG Electronics Inc.). These systems have been used in Japan for many years for air conditioning (cooling) in summer and for heating buildings in winter, such as office buildings or hotels, and for the simultaneous production of tap hot water. For the most part, these systems are the so-called direct expansion systems, that is, they directly direct the refrigerant to individual indoor units. As a rule, this applies to installations of type VRV (with variable refrigerant volume) or DRV (with variable refrigerant flow).

Such systems allow the production of hot water, for example, tap hot water, due to the heat generated by the heat engine during its operation. However, one of the main disadvantages of these systems is that the heat pump cannot operate normally, taking calories from the outside air when the outside temperature is below about 10 ° C, as this causes the evaporator to freeze. In practice, in winter, engine heat is used to heat the evaporator so that the thermodynamic system can continue to operate at normal capacity when the outside temperature drops below 10 ° C (about -20 ° C), and in this case, the disadvantage is that the water produced does not have very high temperature and overall system performance becomes quite low.

In addition, the solution in EP 1 628 096 allows the end user to receive water of only one temperature, that is, the temperature of the hot tap water, even when the system is operating in air conditioning mode. In an embodiment, the system comprises several units, in particular indoor units and outdoor units connected by pipelines of the cooling medium. In this case, the system also gives out water of only one temperature, and we are talking about hot tap water obtained when the system is operating in air conditioning mode.

To eliminate this drawback, the system described in EP 2 085 721 in the name of the applicant uses a cogeneration unit connected to a heat pump, so that the user can simultaneously receive water with several different temperatures. However, the described system is provided for specific values of cooling power, heating and electric power provided for this application. The system is designed as a single and indivisible complex and therefore does not provide flexibility in design or use, and its dimensional parameters must be modified for each new application.

On the other hand, existing systems have power values limited to maximum values of the order of 75 kW, since they use automotive engines of limited power and cooling components that do not allow operation at higher powers.

Another drawback of existing systems is that their dimension must be adapted to the specific needs of the user in water with different temperatures. However, these needs, both in general and in their distribution according to different water temperatures, can vary depending on the season, lifestyle or time of day. On the one hand, well-known systems lack flexibility in use. On the other hand, the correct determination of their dimension depending on the needs of the user, as a rule, requires individual design or, at least, the ability to choose the appropriate system from a wide range of products of different dimensions.

The present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the known technical solutions.

Object of invention

The first object of the present invention is a system (1), providing the simultaneous production of hot water with a temperature T2, warm water (14) with a temperature T1 and / or cold water (13) with a temperature T3 and electricity (20), as well as, if necessary the production of a cooling medium with an evaporation temperature T4 and / or the production of a cooling medium with an evaporation temperature T5, wherein said system comprises at least one current generator assembly that either contains a heat engine (2) connected to a generator (18) altern energy, or a fuel battery (22), each of the current generators also contains a heat exchanger (8) that produces hot water with a temperature T2, while the said system (1) or the current generator assembly optionally contains one or more current generators, selected from the group consisting of a heat engine (2) connected to an alternator (18), a fuel battery (22), a photovoltaic solar panel (23) or a wind power installation,

wherein said system (1) also comprises at least one heat pump (3) or a cooling unit and, if necessary, an electric battery (19),

wherein said heat pump or said cooling unit operates (i) either on the principle of vapor compression and in this case comprises at least one compressor (17) of a cooling medium, a first heat exchanger (11, 66) located at the suction inlet of the compressor ( 17) when the system is operating in conditioning mode, an expander (10) and a second heat exchanger (12) located at the discharge outlet of the compressor (17), when the system (1) is operating in conditioning mode, and, if necessary, a third heat exchanger (15 ) located on the pump the output of the compressor (17), when the system (1) operates in the conditioning mode and is used to heat warm water (14), (ii) either on the absorption principle and in this case contains an absorber (28), a circulation pump (30), a steam generator (29), a first heat exchanger (31) located at the inlet of said absorber (28), an expander (32) and a second heat exchanger (33) located at the outlet of said steam generator (29),

wherein said system (1) is characterized in that

(a) a compressor (17) or a circulation pump (30) is driven by an electric motor that can receive power from said current generators, and that

(b) said system (1) comprises at least one module Pc, Ra, called a “heat pump module” (36, 37), or at least one module Pr, called a “cooling module” (36A) , or at least one module Pm (36B), called “mixed: heat pump and cooling”, which contain, each:

(b1) when it comes to the compression module of the heat pump Pc (36), at least one heat pump assembly comprising at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said first heat exchanger (11), said expander ( 10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15);

(b2) when it comes to the absorption module of the heat pump Ra (37, - absorber (28), said circulation pump (30), said steam generator (29), said first heat exchanger (31), said expander (32) and said second heat exchanger (33);

(b3) in the case of a cooling module Pr (36A), at least one cooling unit comprising at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12), and if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15), as well as cooling medium pipes (16a, 16b) for connecting to the air-water cooling medium heat exchanger (66) external to the Pr module (36A);

(b4) if we are talking about a mixed module Pm (36V), there are two units, of which one type is a heat pump and the other type is a cooling one, while

- the heat pump type assembly comprises at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said first heat exchanger (11), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15) , and

- the cooling type assembly comprises at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15), as well as pipelines (16a, 16b ) a cooling medium intended for connection with a heat exchanger (66) of a cooling medium of the air-water type external to the Pm module (36);

and the fact that said generator assembly is enclosed within a generator module (G), wherein said modules (G, Pc, Pa, Pr, Pm) comprise, each, a chassis and an assembly forming a transition, configured so that said modules (G, Pc, Pa, Pr, Pm) could be connected one after another, forming a single complex.

A system that provides simultaneous production of water with several temperatures and, if necessary, a cooling medium should be understood as a system configured to produce and deliver water to the user and, if necessary, a cooling medium with specific temperatures through the corresponding collectors, which connect the thus obtained a single complex with user installation.

According to the invention, the number and type of modules are selected depending on the thermal and / or cooling and electrical power necessary for the system to adapt to this application, and, starting from the moment of its design. Such a modular design allows us to provide a wide range of system design solutions by adapting the number and type of modules to each use case. In addition, the system also provides flexibility in use, since it takes into account the different types of energy that the system can feed, as well as the different energy flows that the system can produce.

The system in accordance with the invention has a modular design and allows you to connect together several complex modules, in particular cogenerating and thermodynamic, simplifying the transitions to obtain a single or monoblock complex, preferably easily transported by truck. Thus, the complexity of the design is concentrated inside the modules, and the transitions between the modules are maximally simplified. Preferably, the modules comprise a chassis of the same height and width so that they can be connected to each other via appropriate mechanical means of connection.

This allows you to standardize components, reduce the cost of components by increasing production volumes, reduce development time and simplify their production.

Thus, the system is determined by the optimal choice of modules that can be standardized, in particular according to their internal functions and the choice of transitions, in order to obtain a system that meets the needs of the end user.

The system in accordance with the invention meets the following application needs:

1 / Heating, hot water and air conditioning of commercial and residential buildings:

This implies a wide variety of heat needs, depending on the size of the buildings, their isolation level, their type (hospitals, hotels, nursing homes or administrative buildings) and their location (north or south of Europe). The preferred fluid is water at a temperature of T1 (heating), T2 (hot water) and T3 (conditioning). In some cases, in certain parts of the building, air conditioning and heating needs may arise simultaneously.

2 / Heating, hot water, air conditioning and energy production for refrigeration needs in supermarkets

In addition to the points discussed in the previous paragraph, the need for cooling power in the form of a cooling medium at a temperature of T4 and T5 in various proportions depending on the application is additionally considered.

3 / Heating, electricity production and, if necessary, conditioning of agricultural greenhouses:

In this case, there is a great need for heating with hot water at temperatures T1 and T2, while natural gas is often used, given its low cost. Possible excess electricity can be resold.

4 / Agricultural biogas plant operating on biomass:

In this case, there is a local production of primary energy to meet the needs for heating and electricity, with the resale of the excess of the latter. There is a need for hot water with a temperature of T1 and T2. Excess electricity can be resold.

The following is a description of the various modules used in the system, while the values of the capacities consumed by the system are given as examples:

- Cogeneration module (or generator module G), which provides the generation of thermal power in the form of hot water with temperature T2 and electricity

Internal functions of the module:

Each engine is one or two engines with a possible choice (not restrictive) of 2 liters and 4.6 liters.

Electrical power can be used locally by other modules or routed outward to the customer’s electrical network.

Thermal power is transmitted through adjustable valves to the central pipelines of warm water T1 or hot water T2, depending on the respective needs of the application.

2 liter engine: up to 25 kW of electricity and at the same time up to 35 kW of thermal power at a temperature of T2.

4.6 liter engine: up to 55 kW of electricity and at the same time 80 kW of thermal power at a temperature of T2.

Minimum power: 1 engine per 2 liters: 25 kW of electricity and 35 kW of heat.

Maximum power: 2 engines per 4.6 liters: 110 kW of electricity and 160 kW of heat.

- Reversible heat pump module (Pc), which provides the production of warm water at a temperature of T1 or cold water at a temperature of T3 using a cooling cycle with compression.

Internal functions of the module: Each module contains two independent cooling units connected to the central water supply and a regulation system.

Each of the two nodes produces about 65 kW of cold water with a temperature of T3 or about 80 kW of warm water with a temperature of T1 (not simultaneously).

Each module of this type produces: about 130 kW of cold water with a temperature of T3 or about 160 kW of warm water with a temperature of T1 (not simultaneously).

- Heat pump module with optional heat exchanger (Pc), which provides the simultaneous production of warm water with a temperature of T1 and cold water with a temperature of T3 using a cooling cycle with compression.

Internal functions: Each module contains two independent cooling units connected to central water supply systems and a control system.

Each of the two nodes can produce about 65 kW of cold water with a temperature of T3 or about 80 kW of warm water with a temperature of T1, as a reversible module of a heat pump, however, if necessary, it can also produce these two capacities simultaneously.

Thus, each module of this type can produce about 130 kW of cold water with a temperature of T3 or about 160 kW of warm water with a temperature of T1, as a reversible module of a heat pump, but, if necessary, it can also produce these two powers at the same time, i.e. approximately 130 kW of cooling power in the form of cold water with a temperature of T3; and approximately 160 kW of thermal power in the form of warm water with a temperature of T1.

- Cooling module (Pr), which provides the production of a cooling medium with a temperature of T4 or T5 using a cooling cycle with compression.

Internal functions: Each module contains two independent cooling units connected to the central pipelines of the cooling medium, and a control system.

Each of the two nodes can produce about 40 kW of cooling power in the form of a cooling medium with a temperature of T4 or about 20 kW of cooling medium with a temperature of T5.

Thus, each module of this type can produce about 80 kW of cooling power in the form of a cooling medium with a temperature of T4 or about 40 kW of cooling medium with a temperature of T5.

- Reversible mixed heat pump / cooling module (Pm):

In addition, each of the 3 above-mentioned modules (heat pump modules and a cooling module) consists of two independent units that perform a given function, and thus, mixed modules can be obtained containing, for example, a reversible heat pump unit and a cooling unit ( see the example in Fig. 13).

Thus, the production of warm water with a temperature of T1 (about 80 kW) or cold water with a temperature of T3 (about 65 kW) and the production of a cooling medium with a temperature of T4 (about 40 kW) or with a temperature of T5 (about 20 kW) are ensured.

- Heat pump absorption module (Ra): Production of warm water with a temperature of T1 using an absorption cycle. Thermal power is approximately 35 kW.

Preferably, said assembly forming an assembly transition comprises: a mechanical transition, an electrical transition, and a hydraulic transition.

The system in accordance with the present invention has a modular design and contains at least one module-generator of electric current and one or more so-called "production" modules, each of which contains one or two nodes of a heat pump or cooling. A modular design system is understood to mean a system comprising at least two modules, each module comprising a chassis forming a holder for components, as well as means of mechanical, electrical or hydraulic connection with an adjacent module. Preferably, the modules are designed so that after joining they have the same dimensions, at least one size (for example, the width of the module) or, more preferably, two sizes (width and height). A manufacturing module may comprise a heat pump assembly or a cooling assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production module may comprise two units of the same type, for example, two units of a heat pump or two units of cooling on a common chassis. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the production module is a mixed module, that is, it comprises one heat pump assembly and one cooling assembly on a common chassis.

Transitions between modules are minimized and are of three types:

- Mechanical transitions: the modules have a chassis of the same height and width for connection to each other through appropriate means of mechanical connection.

- Electrical and electronic transitions: the regulation provided for each module allows you to limit electronic transitions (mainly by communication bus) and electrical transitions (in particular, compressor power wires).

- Hydraulic transitions, in particular for liquids and coolants: they are in the same place for all modules (preferably in the central part, as shown in the drawings). They form the path of the passage and transfer of thermal energy outward from the modular system in accordance with the invention.

After performing these transitions, the device looks like a single unit or a single complex that can be transported, for example, by truck.

Preferably, up to six modules can be combined, including one or two cogeneration modules (one cogeneration module at each end of the installation).

At the same time, the electric and thermal capacities of various modules of this monoblock complex are combined. In terms of heat production, an indicator of the order of a megawatt can be achieved.

Received electrical energy can be used locally by the modules or it can be routed outward to the customer’s network depending on the respective needs.

Moreover, the regulation of the complex should contribute to the overall energy optimization of the installation.

Thus, a system containing the six above modules preferably allows you to implement functions corresponding to the following applications:

1 / Heating, hot water and air conditioning of commercial and residential buildings:

Depending on the corresponding power requirements, on the one hand, for conditioning and heating (if necessary, simultaneously in a predetermined proportion), on the other hand, for hot water supply and, finally, in the possible return of electricity, one or two generating modules can be configured, associated with heat pump modules, possibly of various types. This allows you to meet your needs with a single installation.

2 / Heating, hot water, air conditioning and energy production for refrigeration needs in supermarkets.

Meeting multiple needs relies on cooling modules.

In this case, it is possible to provide a complex consisting of one or two cogenerating modules associated with one or more cooling modules, which, in turn, are supplemented by heat pump modules. The complex provides an adapted, logical and monoblock solution to complex problems.

3 / Heating, electricity production and, if necessary, conditioning of agricultural greenhouses:

As a rule, they provide maximum cogeneration power associated with heat pump modules. The monoblock complex allows you to avoid the use or construction of a technical room.

4 / Agricultural biogas plant operating on biomass:

The resulting primary energy capacities are related to the size of the converters for methane production, producing biogas from biomass. This range of received power is consistent with the cogeneration modules of the system in accordance with the present invention.

The system 1 in accordance with the invention also contains at least one cooling module 36A and, if necessary, an electric battery 19, said module comprising at least one cooling unit operating on the principle of vapor compression and comprising at least one cooling medium compressor 17, expander 10, a heat exchanger 12 installed at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17, and, if necessary, a third heat exchanger 15 installed at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17, if system 1 is used as follows e for heating warm water 14, while the system also contains pipelines of a cooling medium for connecting to a heat medium / air heat exchanger 66 located outside the module and even, as a rule, but not limited to the outside of the system, in particular when used for cooling food products. Heat exchanger 66 is required for operation. However, it is not physically located in the module containing the compressors. The heat exchanger 66 may be located in a special isothermal module, which is part of a system with a modular design (for example, acting as a cold chamber, external to the building). The heat exchanger 66 may also be located at a distance from the modular system in a closed chamber of the building (for example, when used in a supermarket). In particular, according to the invention, in this case:

(a) the compressor 17 is driven by an electric motor that can be powered by one of the aforementioned current generators, and

(b) said system 1 comprises at least one module Pr, called a “cooling module”, comprising at least one cooling medium compressor 17, said expander 10, said heat exchanger 12, if necessary, said heat exchanger 15, and cooling medium pipelines (16a, 16b) intended for connection to a heat exchanger 66, which is not physically located in the module, but is necessary for its operation.

A heat engine type current generator may be included in a module G, called a current generator module; this module G may comprise one or more other current generators selected among heat engines and fuel batteries, or these other current generators may be integrated in a second current generator module. Preferably, the module or modules-current generators may contain connections for connecting one or more external current sources, such as a photovoltaic solar panel 23, a wind power installation or an electrical network. Said current generators may be alternating current or direct current generators. In a preferred embodiment, the first current generator is a heat engine 2 connected to an alternating current generator 18. In this case, alternating current can power said compressor 17 operating from alternating current (in this case, part of the current can be supplied to an electric network external to the system 1), or it can be converted to direct current to power the aforementioned DC compressor 17 and / or to recharge the electric battery 19. The same applies to other current generators a, if they produce alternating current (such as a heat engine, wind turbine or turbine). If one of the other current generators is a direct current generator (for example, a fuel battery 22 or a photovoltaic panel 23), this direct current can be consumed directly by the compressor 17 if it is powered by direct current, and / or by an electric battery 19 or can be converted to alternating current current for use by the compressor 17 operating on alternating current, or may be directed into an electrical network external to the system 1.

Preferably, said cooling pump or cooling unit utilizes a cooling cycle due to vapor compression.

Preferably, the system in accordance with the invention is configured to receive power from an external electrical network to partially or fully cover its needs for electrical energy and with the possibility of directing to said external electrical network at least a portion of the electrical energy produced by said system.

A second aspect of the present invention is a method for regulating a system in accordance with the present invention.

Description of figures

FIG. 1-19 illustrate particular embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention in the case where the alternator is a heat engine coupled to the alternator and the heat pump uses a cooling cycle due to steam compression.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention in the case where the alternator is a photovoltaic solar panel or fuel cell connected to a direct current to alternating current converter, and the heat pump uses a cooling cycle by compressing steam.

FIG. 3 is the energy efficiency of the system in accordance with the present invention in the case of a heat pump in comparison with the efficiency of various known systems.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention in the case where the alternator is a heat engine coupled to the alternator and the cooling module uses a cooling cycle due to vapor compression.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the system comprises several current generator modules connected to several heat pump modules.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the system comprises several current generator modules connected to one heat pump module and to several cooling modules.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention in the case where the alternator is a heat engine coupled to the alternator and the heat pump uses a cooling cycle through absorption.

FIG. 8a is a side view, FIG. 8b is a front view and FIG. 8c is a sectional view along the plane AA of FIG. 8b of a system according to another embodiment of the invention, when the system comprises a generator module connected to several different types of heat pump modules.

FIG. 9a-9f are various views of a compression module of a heat pump in accordance with the present invention, comprising two heat pump assemblies equipped with an optional heat exchanger 15.

FIG. 10a is a side view, FIG. 10b is a front view and FIG. 10c is a sectional view along the CC plane in FIG. 10b of the absorption module of a heat pump in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11a is a side view, FIG. 11b is a front view and in FIG. 11c is a sectional view along the D-D plane of FIG. 11b of a generator module in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12a-12f are various views of a cooling module comprising two cooling units.

FIG. 13a-13f are various views of a mixed heat pump and cooling module.

FIG. 14a-14c are various views of an example system in accordance with the present invention comprising a generator module and a mixed heat pump and cooling module.

FIG. 15 is an example of a system comprising a generator module, a mixed heat pump and cooling module, and a module type of a cooling module comprising two cooling units.

FIG. 16 is an example of a system comprising a generator module, a mixed heat pump and cooling module, and a cooling module type module comprising two cooling units and two isothermal modules.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a compression unit of a heat pump made according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a compression unit of a heat pump according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a fuel battery equipped with a reforming unit or a reformer, wherein said battery is included in a generator module.

List of Symbols

1 System in accordance with the present invention

2 Heat engine

3 heat pump

4 Liquid or gaseous fuel inlet

5 Mechanical energy produced by the engine

6 Heat generated by the alternator during operation

7 energy loss

8 Heat exchanger for heat exchange between an alternator and hot water

9 Hot water circuit

10 Expander

10A Expander A (optional circuit with heat exchanger 15)

10B Expander B (optional circuit with heat exchanger 15)

10C Expander C (optional circuit with heat exchanger 15)

11 Water / coolant heat exchanger (evaporator in air conditioning mode)

12 Air / coolant heat exchanger (evaporator in heating mode and condenser in air conditioning mode)

13 Water circuit - a cold water circuit when the heat pump is in air conditioning mode

14 Warm water circuit

15 Heat exchanger cooling medium / water intake circuit

16 Coolant circuit

16a Suction pipe for cooling medium

16b Liquid coolant pipe

17 Compressor

18 Alternator

19 Electric battery

20 Electricity

21 Electric fan

22 fuel battery

22A Reformer

22V Battery Active

22C Reformation Reactor

22D Desulfurization Unit

22C WGS block (water gas shift)

22F Combustible fluid (natural gas, biogas, etc.)

22G Hydrogen

22H Electricity

23 Photovoltaic Solar Panel

24 DC to AC Converter

25 Solar Power

26 Fuel (for fuel battery)

27 Heat pump with absorption cycle

28 Absorber

29 Generator

30 circulation pump

31 Evaporator for adsorption cycle

32 Expander for the absorption cycle

33 Capacitor for absorption cycle

34 Cooling medium

35 Absorber

36 Heat pump compression module

36A cooling module

36V Mixed module: heat pump and cooling

36C Isothermal module

36D Heat Pump Assembly

36E Cooling Unit

37 Heat pump absorption module

38 Current Generator Module

39a, b, c, d Heat exchanger connection manifolds

40 Gas piping connecting the absorption modules of the heat pumps

41 Power wire

42 Regulation wire

44 Heat pump module chassis

46 4-way valve

47 Cooling compressor

48 Shockproof Liquid Cylinder

50 Liquid Tank

51 Absorber

52 Generator

53 Plate heat exchanger cooling medium / water with absorption cycle

54 Plate heat exchanger cooling medium / air with absorption cycle

55 Fuel Inlet

56 Heat engine assembly and its alternator

57 Fuel battery and its inverter unit

58 Connection to external heat sources

59 Heat exchanger for heat exchange between a current generator and hot water

60 Power cabinet general system regulation

61 Power connection for energy input from a photovoltaic panel

62 Power connection for mains input

63 Power connection for directing electrical energy to the network

64 Chassis of the current generator module

65A, 65V, 65C, 65D Two-way cooling valves

66 Coolant / air heat exchanger

67 Check valve on the coolant circuit

68 Regulation unit

PC Heat Pump Compression Module

Ra Absorption module heat pump

Pr cooling module

Pm Mixed module: heat pump and cooling

G Current Generator Module

Ce1, Ce2, Ce3 Customer input collector

CS1, CS2, CS3 Client output header

Description of the invention

Definitions

The following concepts are used in this document:

• Thermodynamic system such as a heat pump or cooling: A device containing a compressor and several heat exchangers that circulate a special liquid coolant, usually called a cooling medium, while the said device allows you to absorb thermal energy with a first temperature and reproduce thermal energy with a second temperature, while the second temperature is higher than the first.

• Geothermal circuit: A piping system running in the ground, usually in a vertical or horizontal position, designed for heat exchange between the heating or cooling system and the ground.

• Heat exchanger: a device designed to transfer heat between several circuits.

• Heat transfer medium: The heat transfer medium used to transfer heat; classic examples are refrigerant, water, or a mixture of water with ethylene glycol, also called a cooling mixture.

• Heat source or just a source: Conventionally, the terms "source" and "heat load" refer to the heating mode. The source is the medium from which heat is extracted in heating mode. This heat recovery occurs with some physical characteristics, such as thermal inertia or self-power, which characterize the source. It may be noted that the term “source” is not used for a cooling mode in which heat is removed from a building.

• Thermal load or simply load: The load is the medium to which heat is transferred in heating mode. This heat direction occurs with some physical characteristics, such as thermal inertia or self-power, which characterize the load, and the load is also the medium into which heat is removed in cooling mode.

• Efficiency or efficiency: Efficiency or efficiency of the system in heating mode is defined as the ratio of the received heating power to the electric power consumed by the system. In the claimed system, “equivalent electric” efficiency should be understood as the efficiency that the installation would have when using electricity instead of gas or biofuel.

• Alternator: A device that generates alternating current either directly or through an optional converter that converts the generated direct current to alternating current.

• Heat engine: An engine that, through combustion, converts the chemical energy contained in a fuel into mechanical energy.

• Internal combustion engine: A heat engine in which the combustion of fuel to produce the energy necessary for operation takes place inside the engine itself, usually in a combustion chamber.

• Photovoltaic solar panel: An electric DC generator consisting of a set of photovoltaic cells interconnected electrically.

• Solar thermal sensor: A device in which the temperature of a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium rises due to the complete or partial absorption of solar radiation.

• Fuel battery: A device that produces electricity by oxidizing a reducing agent (such as hydrogen) on one electrode in combination with reducing an oxidizing agent, such as atmospheric oxygen, on another electrode.

Detailed description

Preferably, the heat engine 2 of the system of the present invention is an internal combustion engine and is part of the current generator module G. Preferably, it runs on natural gas. Depending on the needs, it can also be fed with other gaseous or liquid fuels, such as gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, alcohol, biofuels, such as vegetable oils, bioethanol, biogas.

It can also be other types of heat engines, such as external combustion engines, such as Stirling engines. An alternator 18 connected to the heat engine is also included in the generator G.

The fuel battery 22 of the system of the present invention can be any type of fuel cell known to those skilled in the art, typically but not limited to operating at temperatures below 200 ° C, which in some cases can reach values from 800 ° C to 1000 ° C (e.g. , in the case of a “solid oxide” type battery), and fed with an appropriate fuel such as hydrogen, methane or another hydrocarbon mixture, such as gasoline or fuel oil. A fuel battery contains at least one active zone 22B of a battery fed with hydrogen (the case of active zones of fuel batteries using the principle of proton membranes) or several of the above types of hydrocarbon fuel (case of high temperature active zones of a solid oxide battery). If the battery is based on proton membranes and if hydrogen is not directly available, the fuel battery 22 includes a reformer 22A and a battery core 22B. The reformer is designed to extract the hydrogen needed for the core of the battery from the chemically more complex fuels mentioned above, such as natural gas, methane, biogas or another hydrocarbon mixture. The released hydrogen enters the active zone of the battery operating on proton membranes.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19 follows a description of the operation of the fuel battery 22 with the reformer 22A. Fuel 22F (which can be natural gas, biogas, etc.) undergoes a series of transformations in reformer 22A designed to extract 22G hydrogen from it, with the restriction of the level of impurities (usually sulfur) and carbon monoxide. To do this, the fuel first passes through a reforming reactor, which, after adding water, releases hydrogen from it. For example, in the case of methane, a reaction of the type CH ₄ + 2H ₂ O = CO ₂ + 4H ₂ takes place. Block 22D is designed to reduce sulfur content, which may affect the operation of the battery core 22B. Block 22E performs a conversion, called “water gas shift,” designed to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the mixture, which can also interfere with the battery’s core. A chemical reaction of the type proceeds in this block: СО + Н ₂ О = СО ₂ + Н ₂ .

The photovoltaic solar panels 23 of the system in accordance with the present invention can be panels of any type known to those skilled in the art, in particular, the semiconductor of the photovoltaic cells can be, but not limited to, amorphous, polycrystalline or single crystal silicon, an organic semiconductor material, or a combination thereof. You can use several photovoltaic solar panels.

In preferred embodiments, the system in accordance with the present invention can be reversible, that is, it can operate mainly in the heating mode to produce warm water at temperature T1 ("heating mode") or mainly in the cooling mode to produce cold water at temperature T3 ("mode conditioning "). For this, a four-way cycle inversion valve 46 is installed in the cooling medium circuit 16 (Fig. 8c). Non-reversible systems may also be used, in particular for some cooling applications. If the system is equipped with an optional heat exchanger 15, then you can simultaneously get warm water at a temperature of T1 and cold water at a temperature of T3 in various proportions to meet the needs of use. In this case, the four-way inversion valve 46 is replaced by four two-way cooling valves 65A, B, C, D. In this case, the expander 10 is supplemented with two additional expanders, as a result of which the circuit contains three expanders: 10A, 10B, 10C.

In the case where the heat pump 3 is reversible, the heat exchangers 11 and 12 are reversible heat exchangers. It should be noted that for a detailed description of the operation of the claimed system, we have selected the conditioning mode. When the heat pump is in heating mode, the water circuit 13 becomes a warm water circuit.

On the other hand, the heat exchanger 11 is preferably a plate heat exchanger.

Shown in FIG. 1, a heat pump 3 of system 1 in accordance with the present invention is a PC module 36, which comprises:

- one or two closed and sealed circuits in which a coolant medium, such as a cooling medium 16, circulates,

- at least one compressor 17 per circuit, driven by an electric motor,

- expander 10,

- the first heat exchanger 11 located at the suction inlet of the compressor 17 when the system is operating in conditioning mode,

- a second heat exchanger 12 located at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17 when the system is operating in conditioning mode,

- the third optional heat exchanger 15, located at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17, when the system operates simultaneously in the conditioning and heating mode with heat extraction.

These components are located inside a chassis not shown in FIG. one.

According to the invention, the compressor 17 is driven by an electric motor. This electric motor can receive electric power from the first current generator or from one or several other current generators or from the electric network, depending on the choice determined by the selected method of general regulation of the system. You can use a DC or AC motor. The advantage of using an electric motor to ensure the operation of the compressor 17 (and, in particular, the rejection of the direct (mechanical) actuation of the compressor 17 by the heat engine 2) is the possibility of using hermetic compressors, which avoids leakage risks associated with the use of open compressors. In a particular embodiment, the compressor 17 is driven by an electric motor receiving electric power from the heat engine 2, with the necessary electricity being generated by an alternator 18 rotated by said heat engine 2.

From the above considerations, the heat pump compressor is preferably a hermetic compressor. A hermetic compressor should be understood as a compressor containing a sealed housing, typically a welded steel casing, inside which are a compression unit for compressing the cooling medium, and an engine driving the compression unit. At the same time, semi-hermetic compressors can be used, in which it is possible to have access to some internal components for maintenance or possible repair.

The heat pump 3 of the system 1 in accordance with the present invention may be equipped with a third heat exchanger 15. Preferably, this heat exchanger (like the second heat exchanger 11) is a plate heat exchanger.

The heat pump 3 of the claimed system 1 allows you to use any type of heat load known to the specialist for heating and air conditioning, such as underfloor heating / cooling, convection fans. Loads can also be air treatment plants for draining pools and for treating fresh indoor air or water circuits in industrial processes that require the use of warm water and / or cold water.

In an embodiment, the heat pump 3 of system 1 in accordance with the present invention may be an air / water heat pump, that is, a heat pump using external air or drawn air as a heat source in a heating mode, or a water / water heat pump, then there is a heat pump using a water circuit in the outdoor soil as a heat source in heating mode. A preferred heat source for heat pump 3 is a geothermal circuit.

The heat exchangers at the source and at the load are adapted to the type of heat pump and to the type of application according to criteria well known to those skilled in the art.

Shown in FIG. 4, the cooling unit in accordance with the present invention is a Pr 36A module, which comprises:

at least one circuit in which a heat transfer medium, such as a cooling medium 16, circulates; the circuit is closed and tight after the final installation of the heat exchanger 11 (at the factory or at the place of use),

at least one compressor 17 driven by an electric motor,

- expander 10,

- the inlet pipelines of the cooling medium 16a and the liquid 16b, intended for connection with one heat exchanger 66 to the cooling circuit located at the suction inlet of the compressor 17. This heat exchanger is not in the module Pr 36A containing compressors 17. It can be in the isothermal module 36C, as shown in FIG. 16, or may be located outside the modular complex in accordance with the present invention (typically in a building located near the modular complex). This heat exchanger allows you to close the circuit and is necessary for the operation of the system. The module may contain two independent cooling circuits and, therefore, two heat exchangers 66. Each of these heat exchangers can be located in the isothermal module 36C or outside the above-described modular complex.

- a second heat exchanger 12 located at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17.

These components are located inside a chassis not shown in FIG. four.

According to the invention, the compressor 17 is driven by an electric motor. This electric motor can receive electric power from the first current generator, and / or from one or more other current generators, or from the electric network, depending on the choice determined by the selected method of general regulation of the system. You can use a DC or AC motor. The advantage of using an electric motor to ensure the operation of the compressor 17 (and, in particular, the rejection of the direct (mechanical) actuation of the compressor 17 by the heat engine 2) is the possibility of using hermetic compressors, which avoids leakage risks associated with the use of open compressors. In a particular embodiment, the compressor 17 is driven by an electric motor receiving electric power from the heat engine 2, with the necessary electricity being generated by an alternator 18 rotated by said heat engine 2.

From the above considerations, the heat pump compressor is preferably a hermetic compressor. A hermetic compressor should be understood as a compressor containing a sealed housing, typically a welded steel casing, inside which there is a compression unit for compressing the cooling medium, and an engine that drives the compression unit. At the same time, semi-hermetic compressors can be used in which it is possible to have access to some internal components during maintenance or possible repairs.

As a rule, but not limited to, the compressor 17 consumes electrical power from 10 to 30 kW, depending on the models and operating conditions of the compressor (rotation speed, suction pressure and discharge pressure). The cooling power will vary from 5 to 80 kW depending on the operating conditions. At the same time, in order to increase the cooling power, two compressors 17 connected in parallel are preferably used, in which case the complex of two compressors will have double cooling power and double electric power consumption.

The cooling unit of the system of the present invention may be equipped with a third heat exchanger 15. Preferably, this heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

Preferably, in the framework of the present invention, the cooling medium is selected from fluorinated HFC hydrocarbons (e.g. R134A, R407C, R404A & R410A), which are the most common. You can also use hydrocarbons and, in particular, propane as a cooling medium. You can also use CO ₂ .

The preferred cooling medium for the system of the present invention is R134A or 410A in the case of a heat pump. As a rule, but not limited to the case of the cooling unit, the preferred cooling medium for the system in accordance with the present invention is R404A. However, the present invention is not limited to the selection of one of the fluids available on the market, and other environments can be envisaged.

The heat pump 3 of system 1 in accordance with the present invention allows the use of all types of heat loads known to those skilled in the art for heating and air conditioning, such as underfloor heating and cooling, convection fans. Loads can also be air treatment plants for draining pools and for treating fresh indoor air or water circuits in industrial processes that require the use of warm water and / or cold water.

In an embodiment, the heat pump 3 of system 1 in accordance with the present invention may be an air / water heat pump, that is, a heat pump using external air or drawn air as a heat source in a heating mode, or a water / water heat pump, then there is a heat pump using a water circuit in the outdoor soil as a heat source in heating mode. A preferred heat source for heat pump 3 is a geothermal circuit.

The cooling unit 36A of the system 1 in accordance with the present invention contains an air / air cooling circuit, that is, the air is cooled to the so-called medium temperature cooling temperature T4, typically allowing the storage of fresh food products (cheese, milk, etc.) or cooled to lower so-called temperature T5 low-temperature cooling, usually allowing the storage of frozen foods. The trapped heat is usually removed into the outside air through a compressor 17 and a heat exchanger 12, the cooling medium is air.

The heat exchangers at the source and at the load are adapted to the cooling unit and to the type of application in accordance with criteria known to those skilled in the art.

Optional system 36A can be equipped with a heat exchanger 15, which allows you to get warm water at a temperature T1.

In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the system 1 also comprises a modular heat pump using an absorption cycle 27 and at least one electric battery 19. The heat pump module Ra 37 of the heat pump includes an absorber 28, a generator 29, a circulation pump 30, an evaporator 31 located at the inlet an absorber, a corresponding expander 32 and a condenser 33 located at the outlet of the generator, a cooling medium 34 and absorbent 35. This system is a second object of the present invention. The heat pump using the absorption cycle 27 is based on the principle of decreasing the solubility of the gas in the coolant with increasing temperature. Preferably, the most common coolant / absorbent pairs are, respectively, an ammonia / water pair and a water / lithium bromide pair. The cooling medium is absorbed by the deg C solution of the absorber 28, and the solution enriched in the cooling medium is sent to the generator 29 by means of a circulation pump 30. There, the solution is heated, which leads to the separation of the cooling medium and to an increase in pressure and temperature. The cooling medium circulates in the direction of the condenser 33, where it condenses, generating heat. Then it passes through the expansion system 32 and enters the evaporator, where it evaporates, absorbing heat. After that, she returns to the absorber 28, and the cycle resumes.

Heat pumps using an absorption cycle are known per se. They are used to a lesser extent, since they are more expensive than heat pumps using a cooling cycle with mechanical compression of steam. On the other hand, heat pumps using an absorption cycle consume little electrical power, mainly for auxiliary components and for regulation. The bulk of the energy needed for the absorption cycle is thermal, and it is usually obtained by burning mineral fuel in a burner. In the inventive system, a heat pump using an absorption cycle 27 can be supplied with heat energy from any suitable source, in particular from heat generated by one of the heat engines 2, a fuel battery 22, or a solar thermal sensor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, system 1 comprises a generator module connected to a heat pump module, wherein said system simultaneously provides:

- cooling water using a heat pump 3 to a temperature of T3,

- heating water using a heat pump 3 to a temperature T1,

- production of hot water at a temperature T2 due to the selection of thermal energy released by the current generator (which can be a heat engine 2 connected to an alternating current generator 18) during operation,

- electricity production.

According to this embodiment, the system 1 also provides for the production of only one, or two, or three elements selected from cold water, warm water, hot water and electricity.

Cold water has a temperature of T3, usually between -8 and + 15 ° С (case of a mixture of water with glycol) or between 4 and 15 ° С (case of water). Preferably, this temperature is in the range of 5 to 9 ° C.

The so-called warm water produced by the heat pump 3 has a temperature T1, usually comprised between 20 and 60 ° C and preferably between 30 and 60 ° C.

The so-called hot water (usually tap hot water) reaches a temperature T2> T1, typically between 40 and 75 ° C and preferably between 55 and 75 ° C.

In another embodiment, system 1 comprises a generator module connected to a cooling module, wherein said system simultaneously provides:

- obtaining a cooling medium in thermodynamic conditions (evaporation temperature T4 or T5), which, after connecting to the heat exchanger 66, the cooling medium / air allows you to get very cold air for cooling purposes;

- if necessary, heating water to a temperature of T1;

- production of hot water with a temperature T2 due to the selection of thermal energy released by the current generator (which can be a heat engine 2 connected to an alternator 18) during operation;

- electricity production.

Thus, a system 1 comprising one or more heat pump and cooling modules in accordance with the present invention provides:

- Production of elements selected from cold water, warm water, hot water, cooling medium in thermodynamic conditions of medium temperature cooling, cooling medium in thermodynamic conditions of low temperature cooling and electricity;

wherein

- Cold water has a temperature of T3, usually between -8 and + 15 ° С (case of a mixture of water with glycol) or between 4 and 15 ° С (case of water). Preferably, this temperature is in the range of 5 to 9 ° C .;

- The so-called warm water produced by the heat pump 3 has a temperature T1, usually comprised between 20 and 60 ° C and preferably between 30 and 60 ° C;

- The so-called hot water (usually tap hot water) reaches a temperature T2> T1, typically between 40 and 75 ° C and preferably between 55 and 75 ° C;

- The cooling medium under the thermodynamic conditions of medium temperature cooling has an evaporation temperature T4, usually comprised between -15 ° C and 5 ° C and preferably between -10 ° C and -5 ° C;

- The cooling medium under the thermodynamic conditions of low temperature cooling has an evaporation temperature of T5, typically from −40 ° C. to −25 ° C. and preferably from −35 ° C. to −30 ° C.

When the current generator is a heat engine, if necessary connected to an alternator, heat is taken simultaneously from the cooling circuit of the heat engine 2 and from the exhaust gases of the engine.

When the electric current generator is a fuel battery 22, if necessary connected to a DC / AC converter, heat is taken from the cooling circuit of the fuel battery 22, to which, if necessary, a heat exchange circuit on the current converter is added.

When the electric current generator is a photovoltaic solar panel 23, optionally connected to a DC-to-AC converter, heat is preferably taken out using a heat exchange circuit located on the current converter. This solution has a higher performance than using an electric resistor to heat water.

The so-called cold water is obtained at a temperature of T3 <N1, usually from -8 to + 15 ° С (case of a mixture of water with glycol) or from 4 to 15 ° С (case of water). Preferably, this temperature is in the range of 5 to 9 ° C.

In a preferred embodiment, T1 is from 20 ° C to 60 ° C, T2> T1 is from 40 ° C to 75 ° C, and T3 <T1 is from -5 ° C to + 15 ° C.

T4 <T3 is from -15 to 5 ° C.

T5 is from -45 ° C to -25 ° C.

In addition, the system 1 in accordance with the present invention is additionally equipped with a control system, preferably an electronic system (not shown in the figures, preferably located in a so-called power control cabinet, which is preferably located in the generator module G 38). This control system can work with several set points, which allows you to start the system in accordance with the present invention depending on the needs for cold water at a temperature of T3, and / or warm water at a temperature of T1, and / or hot water at a temperature of T2 , or in a cooling medium at temperatures T4 or T5 and decide on the possible direction of a part of the electric energy generated by the system into an external electrical network. This will be described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, fuel enters engine 2 through input 4.

Typically, approximately 32-37% of the energy received by the engine in the form of fuel is taken out as mechanical energy 5 to drive the alternator 18 and to produce electricity 20. This allows the compressor 17 of the heat pump 3 to be supplied with electricity 20. A possible excess of electricity, produced by the alternator 18, in the case of a partial load or with the appropriate dimension provided for this, can be used to recharge the electric battery 19 or sent to the network.

In addition, the electricity produced by the alternator is used to operate the electrical and / or electronic elements of the system in accordance with the present invention, such as electric valves, one or more electric fans 21 connected to the heat exchanger 12, and an electronic control system. On the other hand, part of the electricity produced by the alternator can be used to power appliances or electrical devices outside the system of the present invention, such as for example lighting fixtures.

Typically, when the alternator is a heat engine 2, about 40-60% of the energy received by said engine 2 is taken as heat energy 6 to heat warm tap water. The rest of the energy (usually from 3 to 25%) is dissipated in the form of losses 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, if we consider the conditioning mode, the heat pump 3, the compressor 17 of which is supplied with electricity 20 produced by the alternator, produces cold water 13 with an “conditioning” efficiency of 2.9 to 3.5. The system also gives out simultaneously warm water 14 with heating efficiency from 3 to 5.

In addition, when the alternator is a heat engine 2, at least one heat exchanger 8 is installed on the heat engine 2, which allows the heat 6 generated by the engine 2 to be removed.

Preferably, at least one heat exchanger (not shown) is installed on the exhaust gas circuit of the engine and at least one second heat exchanger is installed on the liquid cooling circuit of the engine 2.

According to the invention, the system 1 has a modular design and contains at least one electric current generator module G 38 and one or more (N) production modules P, each of which contains one or two nodes of the heat pump 36D or cooling 36E. The electric current generator module may comprise at least one heat engine 2.

According to this modular embodiment, each of the N modules of the heat pump Pc and / or cooling Pr (i.e., with vapor compression) of the system 1 in accordance with the present invention comprises:

- a closed and sealed circuit in which a heat transfer medium, such as a cooling medium 16, circulates

- a compressor 17 driven by an electric motor,

- expander 10,

- in the case of nodes of the heat pump Pc, the first heat exchanger 11, preferably a plate heat exchanger located at the suction inlet of the compressor 17, when the system is operating in conditioning mode,

- a second heat exchanger 12 located at the discharge outlet of the compressor 17 when the system is operating in conditioning mode,

- if necessary, a third heat exchanger 15, preferably a plate heat exchanger,

- in the case of Pr cooling units, a heat exchanger 66, which can be installed in a special isothermal module included in the modular design system, or which can be installed remotely from the modular design system in an enclosed building.

These components are installed inside the chassis.

Preferably, the modules of the heat pump Pc are identical, in particular with regard to their main components and their dimensions. This allows them to be produced in series. This also facilitates their maintenance and repair, since you can simply replace the faulty module with a working module and repair the faulty module without disconnecting it from system 1.

Typically, in the framework of the present invention, the heat pump module Pc comprises two compression units of the heat pump 36D, or the mixed module Pm comprises the heat pump unit 36D and the cooling unit 36D, or the cooling unit 36A contains two cooling units 36E. These modules are made in the form of a chassis, while collector tubes pass through this chassis, if necessary, a fuel supply pipe, and electric power wires and control wires. Said chassis is also equipped with means for connecting various tubes and wires to the system. For example, the dimensions of such a chassis of the so-called production module are: length 1700 mm, width 2200 mm, height 2420 mm.

Usually installed in such a chassis:

at least one compressor, preferably of variable power,

at least one V-shaped reversible battery,

- at least one fan,

at least one plate heat exchanger,

- auxiliary components of a heat pump or cooling installation of a known type, such as four-way valves, two-way cooling valves, as well as one or more cooling expanders,

- reservoir for coolant.

As a rule, in the framework of the present invention, the absorption module of the heat pump Ra can be made in the form of a chassis, with collector tubes, a fuel supply pipe and electric power wires and control wires passing through this chassis. Said chassis is also equipped with means for connecting various tubes and wires to the system. Typically, at least one of the following elements is installed in said chassis:

- cooling medium / water heat exchanger,

- generator

- absorber,

- plate heat exchanger cooling medium / water,

- as well as other auxiliary components of the absorption heat pump, such as a pump, expanders.

Typically, in the framework of the present invention, the current generator module G can be made in the form of a chassis, with the fuel supply pipe and power wires and control wires passing through the chassis. Said chassis is also equipped with means for connecting various tubes and wires to the system. Typically, at least one current generator of the type of a heat engine connected to its alternator, or a heat battery, a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the generator or current generators and hot water, a general control system power cabinet; optionally, other current sources, such as a fuel battery and, if necessary, its alternator, and even other external heat sources (such as connections to thermal solar sensors) can be installed in the same chassis of the current generator module. For example, but not limited to, the dimensions of such a chassis of the generator module are: length 2300 mm, width 2300 mm, height 2420 mm.

Typically, in the framework of the present invention, the heat engine 2 is preferably an engine adapted to operate on natural gas. For example, we can talk about an engine with a cylinder displacement from 2 liters to 4.6 liters of the usual type, which is used on some vehicles running on gasoline, or on industrial vehicles running on diesel fuel, but which is adapted to operate on natural gas. In a preferred embodiment, the current generator module uses a combination of two motors 2 with the same or different displacement, depending on the needs of the user.

Preferably, at least one connection is provided in system 1 for an external heat transfer medium that transfers thermal energy, for example, from a solar thermal sensor or from a geothermal circuit; preferably, this connection is carried out at the generation level, since it simultaneously simplifies the design and regulation of system 1.

Usually, only one electric current generator is preferably used in the framework of the present invention, but this depends on the energy dimension of the system. Two electric current generators can be used, preferably in one generator module G; preferably one of these two generators is a heat engine 2. Two heat engines 2 can be used either in one current generator module or in two separate modules. It is preferable to integrate them into a single module, as this enables the sharing of certain components, such as lubrication and / or cooling circuits.

The use of two heat engines 2 allows you to optimize their use depending on the needs for warm water, hot water, cold water and generated electric current. For example, if both engines run on gasoline or natural gas and the need for energy produced by them is low, then it is preferable to use only one of the two engines in order to increase the service life of the engines or optimize their efficiency, whereas in the case when both heat engines 2 run on gas oil, it is preferable to use both with a partial load than one with a full load. Thus, the presence of two engines increases the flexibility of using system 1 and, in addition, provides redundancy in the event of engine failure. Of course, you can use more than two engines.

In a preferred embodiment, conventional engines designed for mass production vehicles are used, as this provides reasonable prices and reliable service.

In a particular embodiment, which can be combined with all other embodiments, the current generators are installed in contact with a heat exchanger to select at least a portion of the thermal energy into which a portion of the electrical energy is converted, given that the energy efficiency of the alternator always below 100%. This heat exchanger heats the heat transfer fluid that is introduced into the heat pump circuit.

In one module, it is also possible to combine, on the one hand, a generator consisting of a heat engine and an alternator, with another generator such as a fuel battery. Due to this, you can use the features of each of the generators: low cost in the case of heat engines, quiet operation and higher energy efficiency for fuel batteries.

Finally, when the cost of fuel batteries is lower or for private applications (industrial facilities have unused hydrogen reserves), two generators of the type of fuel battery can be installed.

In FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment comprising two integrated generating units that can be integrated into one generator module G and coupled to several PC modules of a heat pump of a pump type with steam compression. The various heat pump modules are interconnected by the input collectors of the consumer Ce1, Ce2 and the output collectors of the consumer Cs1, Cs3. The input Ce2 and output Cs2 consumer collectors are provided at the level of the hot water circuit 9. In FIG. 8a-8c show a more illustrative example of a system comprising several compression modules of the heat pump 36, in this case three modules connected to the absorption modules of the heat pump 37, which, in turn, are connected to the current generator module 38. These modules 36, 37, 38 are separately shown in FIG. 9a-9f, 10a, b, c, and 11a, b, c. In FIG. 8a shows a side view of the chassis 44 of the heat pump module 36 or 37 through which four collectors 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d pass, while the diameter of the collectors can be adapted to the water flow values required for this application, power wires 41 and regulation wires 42. The chassis 44 forms a socket open on the sides so that fluid manifolds and electric wires can pass through it and even, if necessary, a gas pipe 40 (for example, to connect the remote absorption module 37 of the heat pump to the generator module 39 with passage through the compression module 36 heat pump). The manifold 39a is a fluid inlet manifold, and the manifold 39b is a fluid outlet manifold. Two other collectors, input 39c and output 39d, are designed for heat extraction in air conditioning mode; in this case, they are connected to an optional third heat exchanger 15, present in this embodiment in the compression module 36 of the heat pump and operating on the same principle as the heat exchanger 15 of the PC module. Alternatively, a third heat extraction heat exchanger (not shown) may also be present in the absorption pump module 37 of the heat pump.

As indicated above, the generator module 38 is also made in the form of a chassis 64, forming a socket open on the sides so that fluid manifolds and electrical wires can pass through it.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 9a-9f and in FIG. 8b and 8c, the compression module of the heat pump 36 contains two heat pump units inside its chassis 44, each of which contains a fan 21, a heat / air exchanger 12, a four-way valve 46, a cooling compressor 17, a shockproof liquid tank 48, a plate heat exchanger 11 cooling medium / water, a fluid reservoir 50 and, optionally, a plate medium heat / water heat exchanger 15. As part of this optional embodiment, the four-way valve has been replaced by four two-way cooling valves 65A, 65B, 65C, 65D (FIG. 9e), the operation of which will be described below. As shown in FIG. 8a-8c, 6b, and 6c, the heat pump absorption module 37 comprises inside its chassis 44 a fan 21, a heat exchanger 54, a cooling medium / air, an absorber 51, a generator 52, and a plate heat exchanger 53, a cooling medium / water. These modules operate on the same principle as the PC and Ra modules described above.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17 and 18, a more detailed description of the principle of operation of the heat pump assembly with steam compression, which forms the heat pump module Pc 36, follows.

In FIG. 17 schematically shows a heat pump assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, in particular a reversible heat pump with a four-way valve 46. The following describes its operation in heating and cooling modes.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 17, operates in heating mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at satisfying the demand for thermal power by regulating the capacity of the cooling compressor to maintain the temperature T1 of warm water. Thus, all the available heat is directed into the water of the heating network through the heat exchanger 11. A four-way valve 46 connects the compressor discharge pipe to the heat exchanger 11. The expander 10 controls the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 12. The four-way valve 46 connects the heat exchanger 12 with the suction pipe of the compressor 17. The control loop regulates the temperature T1 of warm water leaving the heat exchanger 11.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 17, operates in cooling mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at meeting the demand for cooling power by regulating the power of the cooling compressor in order to maintain the temperature T3 of cold water. In this case, all the heat is removed into the outside air through the heat exchanger 12. The expander 10 controls the flow of fluid leaving the heat exchanger 11. A four-way valve 46 connects the discharge pipe of the compressor 17 to the heat exchanger 12. The expander 10 controls the flow of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 11. A four-way valve 46 connects the heat exchanger 11 to the suction pipe of the compressor 17. The control loop controls the temperature T3 of the cold water leaving the heat exchanger CENI 11.

In FIG. 18 schematically shows a heat pump assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, in particular a reversible heat pump with a heat exchanger 15 and four two-way cooling valves (or solenoid valves) 65A, 65B, 65C, 65D. The following is a description of its operation according to six possible modes of operation.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in cooling mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at satisfying the need for cooling power by regulating the power of the cooling compressor 17 in order to maintain the temperature T3 of cold water. In this case, all the heat is removed into the outside air through the heat exchanger 12. The electromagnetic valve 65B is open, all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expander 10A controls the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 11. The expanders 10B and 10C are closed. The control loop regulates the temperature T3 of the cold water leaving the heat exchanger 11.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in the cooling and heat extraction mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at satisfying the demand for cooling power by regulating the power of the cooling compressor in order to maintain the temperature T3 of cold water. The resulting heat is sent to the water extraction circuit through the heat exchanger 15. The electromagnetic valve 65C is open, while all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expander 10B controls the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 11. The expanders 10A and 10C are closed. The control loop regulates the temperature T3 of the cold water leaving the heat exchanger 11.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in cooling, heat extraction and removal of unused heat, the regulation of the installation is aimed at meeting the demand for cooling power by regulating the power of the cooling compressor in order to maintain the temperature T3 of cold water. The received heat is directed to the water extraction circuit through the heat exchanger 15. If the amount of heat received exceeds the demand, the excess is sent to the heat exchanger 12. The electromagnetic valves 65B and 65C are open, all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expanders 10A and 10B regulate the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 11. The expander 10C is closed. Two parallel control loops operate: the first for temperature T3 of cold water leaving the heat exchanger 11, and the second for regulating temperature T1 of warm water leaving the heat exchanger 15.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in heating mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at satisfying the need for thermal power by regulating the cooling compressor to comply with the temperature T1 of warm water. The heat extracted from the air by means of the heat exchanger 12 is directed to the water extraction circuit through the heat exchanger 15. The electromagnetic valves 65A and 65C are open, while all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expander 10C controls the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 12. The expanders 10A and 10B are closed. The control loop regulates the temperature T1 of warm water leaving the heat exchanger 15.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in the heating and heat extraction mode, the regulation of the installation is aimed at satisfying the need for cooling power in order to comply with the temperature T3 of cold water (heat exchanger 11). In addition, the regulation of the installation must satisfy the demand for thermal power by regulating the capacity of the cooling compressor in order to comply with the temperature T1 of warm water (heat exchanger 15). Additional power is taken from the air using a heat exchanger 12. Solenoid valves 65A and 65C are open, while all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expander 10C controls the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 12. The expander 10B adjusts the flow rate of the cooling medium to maintain heating of this medium when it leaves the heat exchanger 11. The expander 10A is closed. Two parallel control loops work: the first is for regulating the temperature T1 of warm water leaving the heat exchanger 15, and the second is for the temperature T3 of cold water leaving the heat exchanger 11.

When the heat pump assembly shown in FIG. 18, operates in defrosting mode, the unit will extract heat at the level of the extraction circuit using heat exchanger 15. This heat is sent to heat exchanger 12 to defrost it. Solenoid valves 65B and 65D are open, while all other electromagnetic valves are closed. The expander 10C controls the heating of the cooling medium leaving the heat exchanger 15, while all other expanders are closed. Regulation of the installation starts the defrosting mode and stops it based on the data received from the pressure and temperature sensors of the circuit.

As shown in FIG. 11a, 11b and 8b, 8c, the current generator module 38 comprises a chassis 64 equipped with a fuel inlet 55 communicating with a tube 40 of the module 37. The chassis 64 comprises at least one current generator, which may be a heat engine with its current generator 56 or a fuel battery with its inverter 57. A connection of external heat sources for solar thermal sensors or other sources of warm water may also be provided. A heat exchanger 59 is also provided for heat exchange between the current generator and hot water. The chassis 64 also includes a power cabinet for the general regulation of the system 60, while the cabinet is equipped with connections to the power wiring 61 for supplying energy from the photovoltaic panel, with the wiring 52 for supplying external electrical energy and with the power wiring 63 for removing electric energy to the external electrical network. In an embodiment, wiring 63 'may connect the cabinet 60 to a supply from an auxiliary energy source, such as a wind turbine, turbine, etc.

In FIG. 6 shows another particular embodiment comprising two generator modules G 38 connected to a steam compression heat pump module Pc 36 and to several cooling units Pr 36A. The various cooling modules Pr are interconnected and connected to the heat pump module Pc through the input collectors Ce3 of the consumer and through the output collectors Cs3 of the consumer. The balance of water flow in modular heat exchangers is achieved in this case through the use of balancing valves of the system.

In FIG. 12a-12f illustrate a more illustrative example of a cooling module 36A comprising two cooling units 36E on a common chassis. In particular, in FIG. 12f enlarged view shows the inlet and outlet pipes of the connection to the cold water circuit 13, the inlet and outlet pipes of the connection to the warm water circuit 14, as well as four cooling medium pipes, including two suction pipes 16a and two liquid pipes 16b connecting two a cooling unit 36E with a remote heat / air heat exchanger 66 that is external to the module 36A. In FIG. 12a and 12b are front and rear views of the cooling module 36E, in FIG. 12b is a side view of a cooling module 36A comprising two cooling units 36E; FIG. 12d is a perspective view of a cooling module 36A, and FIG. 12e shows a sectional view of the module 36A along the D-D plane of FIG. 12b. As shown in the figures, the cooling module 36A, containing two cooling nodes 36E, has a common symmetry in the vertical direction, which allows you to arrange all the components of both cooling nodes on a common module chassis.

In FIG. 13a-13f show an embodiment of a mixed module 36B comprising a cooling unit 36E and a heat pump unit 36D on a common chassis. In particular, in FIG. 13f, an enlarged view shows the inlet and outlet pipes of the connection to the cold water circuit 13, the inlet and outlet pipes of the connection to the warm water circuit 14, as well as two cooling medium pipes, including a suction pipe 16a and a liquid pipe 16b connecting the cooling units 36E with a distant heat exchanger 66 cooling medium / air that is external to the module 36A. In FIG. 13a and 13b show a front and rear view of the mixed module 36B, in FIG. 13b shows a side view of the mixed module 36B, in FIG. 13d is a perspective view of a mixed module 36B, and FIG. 13e shows a sectional view along the plane EE of FIG. 13b.

In FIG. 14a-14c show an exemplary embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention comprising a generator module 38 connected to a mixed module 36B comprising a cooling unit 36E and a heat pump unit 36D on a common chassis. In FIG. 14a shows a side view of the complex, in FIG. 14B, the complex is shown in front, and in FIG. 14c shows in perspective a complex of generator module 48 and mixed module 36B.

In FIG. 15, an example embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention is shown in front of the invention, comprising a generator module 38 connected to a compression module 36 of the heat pump and to a cooling module 36A.

In FIG. 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention comprising a generator module 38 connected to a heat pump compression module 36, a cooling module 36A connected to a first isothermal module 36C containing an evaporator 66, and a second isothermal module containing an evaporator 66 .

Compared with known systems, the system in accordance with the present invention has the following advantages:

- Multi-energy food or several energy sources, usually electricity / natural gas or fuel oil,

- Work to a temperature of -20 ° C with good efficiency,

- The total efficiency in primary energy exceeds 1.5 even at low outdoor temperatures.

- Integration of functions within one modular complex for applications with the simultaneous supply of fluids (water or a cooling medium) at temperatures from -45 ° C to + 75 ° C.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system in accordance with the present invention has an efficiency exceeding that of known, even the most modern systems, such as a gas condensing boiler.

This high efficiency is achieved through the selection of heat inside the system:

On the one hand, the selection in the nodes of the heat pumps using the third heat exchanger 15 mounted on the circuit of the cooling medium.

On the other hand, heat extraction in current generators such as a heat engine or fuel battery.

This high efficiency is also achieved through the selection of efficient components: for example, heat exchangers of the appropriate dimension, heat engines with an optimized compression ratio for the fuel used, modern variable-speed fans equipped with electronic switching engines.

Due to the modular design of the system in accordance with the present invention usually receive a total power of 60 to 900 kW, observing the geometric dimensions of a standard European truck (maximum load length: 13 meters).

In addition, the features described in the invention can be fully realized with power values in the range from 20 to 150 kW with dimensions that allow passage through the door, that is, with a width of 890 mm and a height of 1800 mm. The described features include the ability to simultaneously obtain water at 3 different temperatures T1, T2 and T3, as well as a cooling medium at a temperature of T4 and T5.

In a particular embodiment, the steam pump heat pump module contains two heat pump units, each of which contains a compressor (typically a scroll compressor, also called a Scroll compressor), a fan, a V-shaped air / cooling reversible heat exchanger (called a “battery”) and two plate heat exchangers water / cooling medium (of which one is optional for the heat extraction circuit). This embodiment is illustrated by the examples below.

In the water / air version, the heat pump module can only work in heating mode or only in air conditioning mode with possible selection on an independent circuit. So, in winter, the air battery is in the evaporator mode, while the plate heat exchanger operates in the condenser mode. For the production of warm water at a temperature of T1, if necessary, additional heat can be obtained from heat taken from the cooling circuit of the heat engine or from its exhaust flue gases.

It is also possible to draw heat from the engine at a very high temperature T2. In summer, the air battery operates in condenser mode, while the plate heat exchanger operates in evaporator mode. This allows you to get cold water, and also makes it possible to get hot water at a temperature of T2 on an independent circuit, due to the selection from the cooling circuit of a heat engine or from its exhaust flue gases.

Only in the heating variant does the heat pump module partially heat the water, and the heat extraction from the cooling circuit of the combustion engine or from its exhaust flue gases allows additional heat to be obtained, for example, to produce water usually at a temperature of 45 ° C.

In the air-conditioning variant, the heat pump module cools the water, for example, to a temperature of 7 ° C, while independently it is possible to produce warm or hot water by taking out the heat generated by the electric energy generator module (heat engine), depending on the needs of the consumer.

In the water / water version, the system can simultaneously produce warm water for heating and cold water for conditioning both in summer and winter. In this case, batteries are no longer used in external air, but only reversible plate heat exchangers: one works in the condenser mode for the production of warm water, the other works in the evaporator mode for the production of cold water. Heat extraction on the electric energy generator module is used to generate additional heat in the production of warm and even hot water (tap water).

In a preferred embodiment, which can be used with all other variants of execution and their versions, the system 1 is controlled by at least one computer containing at least one microprocessor and at least one data input interface. Data is input into the microprocessor of said computer through said data input interface.

The invention also relates to a method for regulating a system 1 in accordance with the present invention. The following is a description of this control method.

In a first step (a), at least one quantity called a “ base quantity ” is introduced into said microprocessor. These basic values are usually entered into the microprocessor either during its initial programming at the factory, or during the start-up of system 1 at the user's place (setting control parameters for this installation), or they are entered by the user during use of system 1 (setting the first level parameters for accounting basic changes, such as energy tariffs).

These basic values relate to the technical specifications of the modules and their components and consumables.

They are selected from the group that includes:

- (da1) the unitary cost of the fuel of each heat engine 2, the fuel battery 22 and the absorption heat pump used in the system 1;

- (da2) energy content of each type of fuel;

- (da3) the effect of CO _{2 of} each fuel per unit mass;

- (da4) energy efficiency of each heat engine 2 depending on its load and rotation speed, which allows to determine the amount of CO ₂ emitted per unit of mechanical power produced by this heat engine 2;

- (da5) rated power at full load of each heat engine 2, depending on its rotation speed;

- (da6) the percentage of thermal power taken on the engine cooling circuit and the percentage of thermal power taken from the exhaust gases, which allows to determine the amount of CO ₂ emitted per unit of mechanical power produced by this heat engine 2;

- (da7) the unitary cost of electric energy coming from an external network (instantaneous cost, its change depending on time and its change depending on the required power level);

- (da8) the service life of each generator (mainly a heat engine 2 and a fuel battery 22) depending on its load;

- (da9) the cost of servicing each generator (mainly a heat engine 2 and a fuel battery 22) depending on the number of hours worked;

- (da10) the cost of dismantling and replacing each generator (mainly a heat engine 2 and a fuel battery 22);

- (da11) service life, maintenance cost, the cost of dismantling each type of heat pump (using a vapor compression cycle or an absorption cycle);

- (da12) the efficiency of the alternator, depending on the electric power it produces, which allows you to determine the necessary mechanical power of the heat engine 2 for a given electric power;

- (da13) Efficiency of the fuel battery 22 depending on its load when it is not equipped with a reformer (a typical but not exclusive case of a PEM-type battery Proton Exchange Membrane powered by hydrogen) or the efficiency of the fuel battery depending on its load when it is equipped reformer (a typical case of a PEM battery powered by a fuel other than hydrogen);

- (da14) Efficiency of the inverter of the fuel battery 22 or photovoltaic panels 23, if any;

- (da15) electrical consumption and flow rate of a fluid (usually glycol) of the solar sensor circulation pump;

- (da16) unitary selling price of electric energy supplied to an external network (instantaneous cost, its change depending on time and its change depending on the required power level).

In a preferred embodiment, for each type of pump, tables of characteristics are introduced containing the obtained cooling power, the obtained heat power, the consumed electric power, the amount of fuel consumed if available (case of an absorption heat pump) within the operating range. These characteristics tables essentially compile according to the water temperatures of each circuit (T1, T2 and T3, T4 and T5), the flow rate of the fluid of the respective heat exchangers and the inlet ambient temperature. The control method may include blocking any operation with one or more of these parameters that fall outside a specific operating range.

In a preferred embodiment, for each compressor used in heat pumps by vapor compression, the following basic values are introduced as an additional control:

- tables of characteristics giving the resulting cooling power,

- received thermal power,

- consumed electric power depending on the suction pressure and discharge pressure of the compressor for a given cooling medium.

These values allow the overlapping of the above tables of characteristics. They can also be used as basic values for determining, for a system in a complex, the values of the obtained cooling power and thermal power, as well as the electric power consumed by heat pumps with steam compression. For each compressor, these values include the volumetric flow rate (usually expressed as a percentage) at which it operates (usually from 10% to 100%).

In a second step (b), at least one quantity called a “ one - shot quantity ” is introduced. These instantaneous quantities are usually introduced into the microprocessor during its operation using measuring instruments that are part of various components of system 1, or using a device external to system 1 (for example, by means of an electrical contact such as “erasing the peak day of the electric network”, through the network Ethernet, etc.) transferring some of these values to the installation.

This at least one instantaneous value is selected from the group consisting of:

- (db1) instantaneous electrical power produced by each current generator present: alternating current generator 18, fuel battery 22, photovoltaic panel 23;

- (db2) rotation mode of each heat engine 2;

- (db3) instantaneous fuel consumption by the installation (heat engine and absorption heat pump);

- (db4) the temperature of the fluid during the selection of thermal energy from the heat engine 2 (in particular thermal energy contained in the cooling circuit and in the exhaust gases);

- (db5) instantaneous electrical power consumed by system 1 from the network and determined by direct measurement;

- (db6) instantaneous electrical power supplied to the network by system 1 and determined by direct measurement;

- (db7) current, voltage or simultaneous electric power produced by the photovoltaic solar panel 23 (if this panel is present);

- (db8) instantaneous temperature T1;

- (db9) instantaneous temperature T2;

- (db10) instantaneous temperature T3;

- (db11) instantaneous temperature T4;

- (db12) instantaneous temperature T5;

- (db13) ambient temperature;

- (db14) the number of hours of operation of each electric current generator (mainly heat engine 2 and fuel battery 22);

- (db15) the number of hours of operation of each circuit of the fuel pump of the installation (compression type or absorption type).

If one of the simultaneous temperatures T1, T2 or T3 (db8, db9, db10 values) is selected, it is preferable to select all three.

In the third step (c), at least one value is determined, called the “ sought value ”, with which a value called the “sought value” is associated, wherein said desired value is selected from the group consisting of:

- (dc1) temperature T1 and its change depending on parameters, such as the outdoor temperature or the cost of energy (ideal comfort should not prevail over economically acceptable comfort);

- (dc2) temperature T2 and its change depending on parameters such as outdoor temperature or energy cost;

- (dc3) temperature T3 and its change depending on parameters such as outdoor temperature or energy cost;

- (dc4) temperature T4 and its change depending on parameters, such as the temperature required for the external cooled chamber, or the cost of energy;

- (dc5) temperature T5 and its change depending on parameters, such as the temperature required for the external cooled chamber, or the cost of energy;

- (dc6) overall efficiency, as the maximum overall efficiency for system 1, and this item is associated with the minimum general effect of CO _{2 of} system 1;

- (dc7) the cost of energy, as the minimum energy cost of system 1;

- (dc8) the total cost of operation, as the minimum total cost of operation of the system 1.

Regardless of the selected desired value (or regardless of the selected desired value), it is also possible to determine an additional desired value, such as the minimum electric power supplied to the network (for example, in the case of operation in the emergency generator mode).

Mentioned at least one desired value and its corresponding value is introduced into the microprocessor.

In the fourth step (d), using the said computer, the system 1 is adjusted so that for each of the selected desired values to obtain a certain desired value or certain desired values, while said regulation is carried out by comparing the current value of the selected desired value, which is determined at some points time, regularly or continuously, taking into account the selected or selected basic values, as well as the selected (s) simultaneous value (s), and adjusting at least one value Called "the correction value" selected from the group consisting of:

- (dd1) type, number of operating current generators and electric power generated by each of the mentioned generators (preferably choosing generators depending on their characteristics relative to the selected desired values);

- (dd2) distribution of electrical power provided by a generator or generators, respectively, for installation and for a network external to system 1;

- (dd3) type and number of operating heat pumps and / or cooling units;

- (dd4) in the case of heat pumps running on steam compression and / or cooling units, adjustment of the volumetric flow rate (expressed as a percentage) set when controlling the compressors to optimize the system 1

so that for each selected desired value, bring its current value closer to the desired value.

In the case where several desired quantities are selected, the control method may include a weighting algorithm to determine the desired parameter based on the desired values.

The following are three examples of such a control method:

1) If the desired value is the total maximum efficiency of system 1 or its minimum influence of CO ₂ (given dc4), then among all others observe the following rules:

- current generators should work in their zone of maximum efficiency (for example, at full load for a heat engine 2 running on natural gas);

- you should select the maximum heat generated by the heat engine 2. For example, if the installation needs for hot water are lower than the production capabilities of the heat engine 2, these needs are covered by the warm water produced by the heat pump modules;

- it is necessary to force all the heat pump modules to work with a partial load, and not to stop some of them, in order to reduce the load on each heat exchanger and thus ensure more efficient operation from the point of view of energy production.

2) If the priority value is the energy cost as the minimum energy cost of system 1 (dc5 value), the approach remains similar to the optimization from the previous example, but the following coefficients are set for each type of energy:

- The purchase value of each type of energy external to system 1 (as a rule, electric energy from the network or the energy of mineral fuel or biogas) at the time of use. (For example, the cost of electric energy can vary depending on the period of the year, as well as on the thresholds of consumption during the day or during the year, moreover, this threshold or these thresholds are associated with the electrical subscription of the installation in question. These criteria can naturally change over time installation services and, therefore, their parameters can be set as part of the overall system regulation method).

- The possible cost of resale to the electric energy network, which, if necessary, can (gut) be produced by the generator module (generator modules) of the device. (This cost can also change according to the rules, usually similar to the rules of the purchase price of electric energy).

- Accounting for changes in the sought quantities, such as temperatures T1, T2, T3, and their possible changes depending on the cost of energy.

The values indicated in (d) (dd1-dd4 values) should be adjusted in order to obtain the minimum cost taking into account the energy sold and purchased.

3) If the priority sought value is the total cost of operation (dc6 value), as the minimum total cost of operation of system 1, the approach is similar to the previous optimization, but at the same time take into account:

- the service life of each generator (da8 value),

- the cost of maintenance (da9 value),

- the cost of dismantling and the cost of replacing each generator (da10 value),

- the cost of dismantling and the cost of replacing each type of heat pump (da11 value).

Thus, particular attention is paid to the life of certain critical components, such as heat engines or fuel cells.

Preferably, the system of the invention can be used in balneotherapy, thalassotherapy, apartment buildings, hospitals or sanatoriums, hotels or tourist complexes.

Preferably, the system can also be used in agricultural facilities where there is a need for thermal power and, possibly, cooling power, and even simultaneously for both. In this case, the primary fuel of the system can be natural gas, but the fuel can also be biogas obtained from existing biomass, or even fuel produced at the place of use. The first row of applications preferably relates to agricultural greenhouses using, for example, natural gas as primary fuel.

A second series of applications relates to methane production plants, and the system of the present invention utilizes on-site biogas.

The system in accordance with the present invention is also used in industrial processes requiring both heating and cooling water used at various points in the process. This applies, for example, to some agro-industrial processes.

The system in accordance with the present invention is also used in industrial processes requiring air cooling to medium and low temperature cooling temperatures used at some points in the process. This applies, for example, to some agro-industrial processes, in particular for use in supermarkets.

Another advantage of the system in accordance with the present invention is the flexibility of design and flexibility of use. The flexibility of use continuously provides an optimal choice of the type or types of energy used and / or received depending on external parameters or on the desired parameters (tasks) using an appropriate regulation method.

Design flexibility provides optimization of the device depending on the predicted needs of the user, in particular with regard to heat capacity, water requirements at different temperatures. This optimization is carried out, in particular, by choosing the type and number of heat pump modules and choosing the type and number of electricity generator modules.

Design flexibility allows you to consider, among all others, the following parameters:

a) Needs for thermal power or cooling capacity, or at the same time for thermal power and cooling capacity at the relevant facility throughout the year. These parameters will directly affect the number of heat pump modules and the choice of cycle used.

b) The potential need for an electric generator in the installation (for example, as a backup for the network). A generator module or generator modules integrated into the device, combined with the flexibility of using the device, can satisfy this need. The choice of a generator module or generator modules will, among other things, depend on: the power needed to power the device; from the presence of expensive electrical thresholds at the facility (for example, the purchase of a transformer, consumption thresholds), exceeding which should be avoided, from the characteristics of the facility (availability of renewable energy such as wind or solar energy), from the required noise level or from the required efficiency (priority of the fuel battery) .

c) Mastering by users of one or another of the heat pump cycles of the device (compression or absorption) or cooling cycle.

d) Impact of CO ₂ : The value of the influence of CO ₂ for the installation in question (for example, meeting the criteria of the HQE type - High Environmental Quality) and the use of the influence of CO _{2 of the} electrical energy of the network.

e) Finally, of course, and for all modules, the optimal configuration will depend on the initial purchase value and on the cost of operation (taking into account energy consumption and maintenance).

It should be noted that the device allows you to combine design solutions for effective adaptation to each specific case.

The flexibility of use takes into account, in particular, the many types of energy that can be supplied to the various components of system 1 in accordance with the present invention, as well as the many energy flows that can be produced by system 1. All of the above modules can be powered by one or more of the following types of energy: mineral fuel (in particular, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gas oil, gasoline), biofuels, hydrogen and electric current. Typically, heat pump modules can use the following two classic cycles: a cooling cycle with mechanical vapor compression and an absorption cycle. Classic water supply networks associated with heat pumps can be supplemented in the device with a water supply network from thermal solar sensors. Electricity generator modules can use various technological solutions such as a heat engine or alternator, photovoltaic panel 23, wind power installation, turbine or fuel battery.

Flexibility of use becomes possible due to the general regulation method for all device modules (heat pumps and electric generators), which, among all others, allows you to optimally take into account the following parameters (tasks):

(i) Priority installation efficiency. The set parameters of the coefficients allow expressing various types of energy external to the device (for example, electricity from the network, thermal energy of solar sensors or photovoltaic electric energy), from the point of view of primary energy and the influence of CO2, in order to get a general idea of the efficiency of a multi-energy device. With general optimization, the overall regulation of the device will take into account each type of generator module. So, among other operating rules, the following should be observed:

- Current generators should work in their zone of maximum efficiency (for example, at full load for a natural gas-fired heat engine);

- The maximum heat generated by the heat engine should be taken. For example, if the installation needs for hot water are lower than the production capabilities of the heat engine, these needs are covered by the warm water produced by the heat pump modules;

- It is necessary to force all the heat pump modules to work with a partial load, rather than stopping some of them, in order to reduce the load on each heat exchanger and thus ensure more efficient operation in terms of energy production.

(ii) Priority energy cost of the installation:

The approach remains similar to the previous optimization, but the following coefficients are set for each type of energy:

- The purchase value of each type of energy external to the device (as a rule, electric energy from the network or the energy of mineral fuel or biogas) at the time of use. For example, the cost of electrical energy can vary depending on the period of the year, as well as on the thresholds of consumption during the day or during the year, and this threshold or these thresholds are associated with the electrical subscription of the installation in question. These criteria can naturally change over the life of the installation and, therefore, their parameters can be set in the framework of the method of general regulation of the device.

- The possible cost of resale to the electric energy network, which, if necessary, can (gut) be produced by the generator module (generator modules) of the device. This value can also change according to the rules, usually similar to the rules applicable to the purchase price of electric energy.

(iii) The priority of the total cost of operating the installation (in particular, the cost of energy, the cost of maintenance, which includes, in particular, the cost of dismantling and the cost of replacement). Thus, particular importance is attached to the service life of certain critical components, such as heat engines 2 or fuel battery 22.

It follows from the foregoing that it is precisely because of its modular design, the wide range of temperatures attainable for the respective power ranges for each temperature, which are determined for use, and, finally, in combination with general regulation, in which they know exactly the operation and characteristics of each of these modules, the device provides general optimization of its work, adaptable to the complexity of the problems encountered and to their changes.

Examples

The following examples illustrate some embodiments of the invention, but do not limit the invention.

These examples use two types of automotive heat engines adapted to run on natural gas: one engine with a 2.0 liter displacement from Volkswagen and the other with a 4.6 liter displacement from MAN.

Made five different modules-generators of electric current (generators G):

(a) only a 2.0 liter engine, (b) only a 4.6 liter engine, (c) two 2.0 liter engines, (d) two 4.6 liter engines, (e) one engine per 2.0 liters and one engine per 4.6 liters.

A single module of the heat pump (module P) was made, which, inter alia, contains:

- two scroll compressors (also called Scroll compressors) operating on the R410a fluid, one of which has variable power (digital control);

- two fans;

- two V-shaped reversible batteries;

- 4 reversible plate heat exchangers with a double circuit (of which two for the optional exchange circuit).

Depending on their use, these P modules may also contain a buffer tank, expansion tank, circulator, cooling valves, and hydraulic valves. Auxiliary components are powered by an external electrical network. Compressors are powered either from electrical energy produced by the module, or from an external electrical network.

Claims (26)

1. System (1), providing simultaneous production of hot water with temperature T2, warm water (14) with temperature T1 and / or cold water (13) with temperature T3 and electricity (20), as well as, if necessary, the production of cooling medium with an evaporation temperature T4 and / or production of a cooling medium with an evaporation temperature T5, wherein said system comprises at least one current generator assembly that either contains a heat engine (2) connected to an alternator (18), or a fuel battery (22), while each of the current generators also contains a heat exchanger (8) that produces hot water with a temperature T2, while the said system (1) or the current generator unit optionally contains one or more additional current generators selected from the group that includes the heat engine (2 ) connected to an alternator (18), a fuel battery (22), a photovoltaic solar panel (23) or a wind power installation,
wherein said system (1) also comprises at least one heat pump (3) or a cooling unit and, if necessary, an electric battery (19),
wherein said heat pump or said cooling unit operates (i) either on the principle of vapor compression and in this case comprises at least one compressor (17) of a cooling medium, a first heat exchanger (11, 66) located at the suction inlet of the compressor ( 17) when the system is operating in conditioning mode, an expander (10) and a second heat exchanger (12) located at the discharge outlet of the compressor (17), when the system (1) is operating in conditioning mode, and, if necessary, a third heat exchanger (15 ) located on the pump the output of the compressor (17), when the system (1) operates in the conditioning mode and is used to heat warm water (14), (ii) either on the absorption principle and in this case contains an absorber (28), a circulation pump (30), a steam generator (29), a first heat exchanger (31) located at the inlet of said absorber (28), an expander (32) and a second heat exchanger (33) located at the outlet of said steam generator (29),
wherein said system (1) is characterized in that
(a) a compressor (17) or a circulation pump (30) is driven by an electric motor that can be powered by one of the aforementioned current generators, and that
(b) said system (1) comprises at least one module Pc, Pa, called a “heat pump module” (36, 37), or at least one module Pr, called a “cooling module” (36A) , or at least one module Pm (36B), called “mixed: heat pump and cooling”, which contain, each:
(b1) when it comes to the compression module of the heat pump Pc (36), at least one heat pump assembly comprising at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said first heat exchanger (11), said expander ( 10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15);
(b2) in the case of the absorption module of the heat pump Ra (37), an absorber (28), said circulation pump (30), said steam generator (29), said first heat exchanger (31), said expander (32) and said second heat exchanger (33);
(b3) in the case of a cooling module Pr (36A), at least one cooling unit comprising at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12), and if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15), as well as cooling medium pipes (16a, 16b) for connecting to the air-water cooling medium heat exchanger (66) external to the Pr module (36A);
(b4) if we are talking about a mixed module Pm (36V), two nodes, of which one is a type of heat pump and the other is a cooling type, while
- the heat pump type assembly comprises at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said first heat exchanger (11), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15) , and
- the cooling type assembly comprises at least one cooling medium compressor (17), said expander (10), said second heat exchanger (12) and, if necessary, said third heat exchanger (15), as well as pipelines (16a, 16b ) a cooling medium intended for connection with a heat exchanger (66) of a cooling medium of the air-water type external to the Pm module (36);
and the fact that said generating unit is enclosed within a generator module (G), wherein said modules (G, Pc, Pa, Pr, Pm) comprise, each, a chassis and a node forming a mounting transition, configured so that said modules (G, Pc, Pa, Pr, Pm) could be connected one after another, forming a single complex. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the said node forming the mounting transition, contains: a mechanical transition, an electrical transition and a hydraulic transition. 3. System (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to be powered from an external electric network to partially or fully cover its needs for electric energy and with the possibility of sending at least a part to the said external electric network electrical energy produced by said system (1). 4. System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which each of the aforementioned current generator module (38), heat pump (36, 37), cooling module (36A) or mixed module (36B) is made in the form a chassis forming a socket open on the sides so that fluid collectors and electrical wires can pass through it. 5. The system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the compression module Pc (36) of the heat pump contains a chassis (44), while collector tubes (39a-39f) and power electric wires pass through the said chassis (41) and electrical control wires (42), and the fact that said chassis comprises:
at least one compressor (47),
at least one V-shaped reversible battery (12),
at least one fan (21),
at least one plate heat exchanger (11),
- auxiliary components of the cooling installation, such as four-way valves (46) and / or two-way cooling valves. 6. System (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the compression module Pc (36) of the heat pump contains a chassis (44), while collector tubes (39a-39f), and power electric wires (41) pass through the said chassis , and electrical control wires (42), and the fact that said chassis comprises:
at least one compressor (47),
at least one V-shaped reversible battery (12),
at least one fan (21),
at least one plate heat exchanger (11),
- auxiliary components of the cooling installation, such as four-way valves (46) and / or two-way cooling valves. 7. System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the absorption module Ra (37) of the heat pump contains a chassis (44), while collector tubes (39a-39f) and a tube (40) pass through the said chassis ) fuel supply and power electric wires (41) and regulation (42), and the fact that it contains:
- cooling medium / air heat exchanger (54),
- generator (52),
- absorber (51),
- cooling medium / water plate heat exchanger (53) and auxiliary components of the absorption heat pump, such as a pump, expanders. 8. The system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the absorption module Ra (37) of the heat pump contains a chassis (44), while collector tubes (39a-39f), a fuel supply pipe (40) pass through said chassis, and power electric wires (41) and regulation (42), and the fact that it contains:
- cooling medium / air heat exchanger (54),
- generator (52),
- absorber (51),
- cooling medium / water plate heat exchanger (53), and auxiliary components of the absorption heat pump, such as a pump, expanders. 9. The system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the absorption module Ra (37) of the heat pump contains a chassis (44), while collector tubes (39a-39f), a fuel supply pipe (40) pass through said chassis, and power electric wires (41) and regulation (42), and the fact that it contains:
- cooling medium / air heat exchanger (54),
- generator (52),
- absorber (51),
- plate heat exchanger cooling medium / water (53),
and auxiliary components of the absorption heat pump, such as a pump, expanders. 10. The system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the current generator module G (38) comprises a chassis (64), while a fuel supply pipe (40) passes through said chassis (64), and power wires (41), and control wires (42), as well as input and output collectors of the consumer (39a, 39b, 39d, 39e), while the said chassis contains:
- at least one current generator of the type of a thermal engine (2) connected to its alternator (56), or a fuel battery and its inverter (57),
- a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the generator or current generators and hot water (59),
- power cabinet (60) for general system control; and
- power wires for supplying or removing current from and in the direction of the network and other sources (61, 62, 63, 63 '). 11. System (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the current generator module G (38) comprises a chassis (64), while a fuel supply pipe (40) and power wires (41) pass through the said chassis (64) ), and control wires (42), as well as input and output collectors of the consumer (39a, 39b, 39d, 39e), while the said chassis contains:
- at least one current generator of the type of a thermal engine (2) connected to its alternator (56), or a fuel battery and its inverter (57),
- a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the generator or current generators and hot water (59),
- power cabinet (60) for general system control; and
- power wires for supplying or removing current from and in the direction of the network and other sources (61, 62, 63, 63 '). 12. The system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the current generator module G (38) comprises a chassis (64), while a fuel supply pipe (40) and power wires (41) pass through said chassis (64) ), and control wires (42), as well as input and output collectors of the consumer (39a, 39b, 39d, 39e), while the said chassis contains:
- at least one current generator of the type of a thermal engine (2) connected to its alternator (56), or a fuel battery and its inverter (57),
- a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the generator or current generators and hot water (59),
- power cabinet (60) for general system control; and
- power wires for supplying or removing current from and in the direction of the network and other sources (61, 62, 63, 63 '). 13. System (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the current generator module G (38) comprises a chassis (64), while a fuel supply pipe (40) and power wires (41) pass through said chassis (64) ), and control wires (42), as well as input and output collectors of the consumer (39a, 39b, 39d, 39e), while the said chassis contains:
- at least one current generator of the type of a thermal engine (2) connected to its alternator (56), or a fuel battery and its inverter (57),
- a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the generator or current generators and hot water (59),
- power cabinet (60) for general system control; and
- power wires for supplying or removing current from and in the direction of the network and other sources (61, 62, 63, 63 '). 14. System (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises several heat pump modules (36, 37) and cooling modules (36A), including at least one Pc compression module (36 ) a heat pump and at least one cooling module (36B) and / or at least one absorption module Ra (37) of the heat pump. 15. The system (1) according to 14, characterized in that each module of the heat pump (36, 37) or cooling (36A) contains two nodes of the heat pump (36D) or cooling (36E). 16. The system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a current generator module comprising one or two heat engines (2) and at least one heat pump module (36) with steam compression and / or, at least one cooling module (36A). 17. System (1) according to claim 4, comprising a current generator module comprising one or two heat engines (2) and at least one heat pump module (36) with steam compression and / or at least one cooling module (36A). 18. System (1) according to claim 5, comprising a current generator module comprising one or two heat engines (2) and at least one heat pump module (36) with steam compression and / or at least one cooling module (36A). 19. System (1) according to claim 6, comprising a current generator module comprising one or two heat engines (2) and at least one heat pump module (36) with steam compression and / or at least one cooling module (36A). 20. System (1) according to claim 7, comprising a current generator module comprising one or two heat engines (2) and at least one heat pump module (36) with steam compression and / or at least one cooling module (36A). 21. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that its operation is controlled by at least one computer containing at least one microprocessor and at least one data input interface. 22. The use of system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21 in balneotherapy, thalassotherapy, apartment buildings, for heating pools, in hospitals or sanatoriums, in hotels or tourist complexes, in agricultural greenhouses or in industrial processes or installations, requiring at the same time heating and cooling water used at various points of the aforementioned process or said installation, or in installations requiring a medium and low temperature cooling system, such as supermarkets, colds cameras, etc. 23. The use of claim 22, wherein:
a) T3 <T1; and
b) T3 is from -8 to + 15 ° C, in the case when the cooling medium is a mixture of water with glycol, or in the case where the cooling medium is water, it is from 4 to 15 ° C and preferably ranges from 5 up to 9 ° С,
b) T4 is from -15 ° C to + 5 ° C and preferably from -10 to -5 ° C,
c) T5 is from -45 ° C to -25 ° C and preferably from -35 to -30 ° C. 24. Use according to one of paragraphs.22 or 23, in which:
a) T1 is from 20 ° C to 60 ° C, preferably from 30 ° C to 60 ° C, and
b) T2 is from 40 ° C to 75 ° C, preferably from 55 ° C to 75 ° C, and
c) T2> T1. 25. The method of regulating a modular system according to item 21, in which:
(a) enter at least one value called the "base value" selected from the group consisting of:
- (da1) unitary cost of fuel for each heat engine (2), fuel battery (22) and absorption heat pump used in system 1;
- (da2) energy content of each type of fuel;
- (da3) the effect of CO _{2 of} each fuel per unit mass;
- (da4) energy efficiency of each heat engine (2) depending on its load and rotation speed, which allows to determine the amount of CO ₂ emitted per unit of mechanical power produced by this heat engine (2);
- (da5) rated power at full load of each heat engine (2) depending on its rotation speed;
- (da6) the percentage of heat power taken in the cooling circuit of the heat engine (2) and the percentage of heat power taken from the exhaust gases and / or the amount of CO ₂ emitted per unit of heat power produced by the heat engine (2);
- (da7) unitary cost of electric energy coming from an external network;
- (da8) the service life of each generator, depending on its load;
- (da9) the cost of servicing each generator, depending on the number of hours worked;
- (da10) the cost of dismantling and replacing each generator;
- (da11) service life, maintenance cost, the cost of dismantling and replacing each type of heat pump;
- (da12) the efficiency of the alternator, depending on the electric power it produces, which allows you to determine the necessary mechanical power of the heat engine (2) for a given electric power;
- (da13) Efficiency of the fuel battery (22) depending on its load;
- (da14) the efficiency of the inverter of the fuel battery (22) or photovoltaic panels (23), if any;
- (da15) electrical consumption and flow rate of the solar sensor circulation pump;
- (da16) unitary selling price of electric energy supplied to an external network.
(b) introducing at least one so-called “instantaneous value” selected from the group consisting of:
- (db1) instantaneous electrical power produced by each current generator present;
- (db2) rotation mode of each heat engine (2);
- (db3) instantaneous fuel consumption by system (1);
- (db4) temperature of the fluid consuming thermal energy of the heat engine (2);
- (db5) instantaneous electrical power consumed by system (1) from the network and determined by direct measurement;
- (db6) instantaneous electrical power supplied to the network by system (1) and determined by direct measurement;
- (db7) current, voltage or simultaneous electric power produced by a photovoltaic solar panel (23) (if this panel is present);
- (db8) instantaneous temperature T1;
- (db9) instantaneous temperature T2;
- (db10) instantaneous temperature T3;
- (db11) instantaneous temperature T4;
- (dbl2) instantaneous temperature T5;
- (db13) ambient temperature;
- (db14) the number of hours of operation of each electric current generator (mainly heat engine 2 and fuel battery 22);
- (db15) the number of hours of operation of each circuit of the heat pump of the installation (compression type or absorption type).
(c) determining at least one value called the “sought value” with which a value called the “sought value” is associated, wherein said sought value is selected from the group consisting of:
- (dc1) temperature T1 and its change, in particular depending on the outside temperature;
- (dc2) temperature T2 and its change, in particular depending on the outside temperature;
- (dc3) temperature T3 and its change, in particular depending on the outside temperature;
- (dc4) temperature T4 and its change, in particular depending on the required temperature in the cooled chamber;
- (dc5) temperature T5 and its change, in particular depending on the required temperature in the cooled chamber;
- (dc6) overall efficiency as the maximum overall efficiency for system (1) or the minimum overall effect of the CO ₂ system (1);
- (dc7) the cost of energy as the minimum cost of energy of the system (1);
- (dc8) total operating cost as the minimum total cost of operating the system (1);
(d) using said computer, system (1) is controlled in such a way as to obtain a specific search value or specific search values for each of the desired search values, wherein said control is carried out by comparing the current value of the selected search value, which is determined at some points in time , either regularly or continuously, taking into account the selected or selected basic values, as well as the selected (s) simultaneous value (s), and adjusting at least one value called the correction value "selected from the group consisting of:
- (dd1) type, number of working current generators and electric power issued by each of the mentioned generators;
- (dd2) distribution of electric power issued by a generator or generators, respectively, for installation and for a network external to system (1);
- (dd3) type and number of working heat pumps;
- (dd4) in the case of heat pumps running on steam compression, adjusting the volumetric flow rate (expressed as a percentage) set to the compressors during regulation in order to optimize the system (1),
so that for each selected desired value, bring its current value closer to the desired value. 26. The control method according to claim 25, characterized in that said basic values are introduced into the microprocessor either during its initial programming, or during system startup (1), or they are entered by a user of said system (1) during use of the system (1 )

Images