Heat exchanger

Abstract

Heat exchanger (100), comprising: - a heat exchange chamber (105) comprising an inlet (106) and an outlet (107); - a heat exchange duct (102), having an inlet (103) and an outlet (104), the heat exchange duct (102) being arranged at least partially within said heat exchange chamber (105); wherein the heat exchange chamber (105) defines a thermal exchange path for a flow (F) of gas in contact with said heat exchange duct (102), and wherein the heat exchanger (100) comprises a system (108, 140, 141) configured to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at, at least, a first operating pressure (Po) that is greater than an ambient pressure; said system (108, 140, 141) being configured to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] HEAT EXCHANGER

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure pertains to the field of heat exchange devices, preferably intended for heating applications in residential, commercial, and / or industrial buildings.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The heat pump is a thermal machine capable of extracting and transferring thermal energy mainly using mechanical energy.

[0007] Heat pumps are, for instance, used to heat rooms or water in a building. Known types of heat pumps include a refrigeration circuit equipped with a first stage arranged outside the building and a second stage arranged inside the building.

[0008] The first stage is a "cold" stage and may include a refrigeration evaporator, configured to allow the expansion of a heat exchange fluid.

[0009] The second stage is a "hot" stage and may include a refrigeration condenser, configured to cause heating of the heat exchange fluid; the second stage is configured to enable heat transfer to the application of interest, such as for example heating the said room or water. Heat pumps are considered by various experts to be one of the most scalable solutions in the short term for reducing emissions from residential / domestic energy consumption.

[0010] The first stage typically includes large fans that are intended to cool the heat exchange fluid and includes a finned radiator.

[0011] In winter, heat pumps require a defrosting step, which occurs at time intervals the spacing of which is directly proportional to the ambient temperature (the lower the temperature, the shorter the intervals between defrosting), inversely proportional to the humidity (the higher the humidity, the shorter the intervals between moments requiring defrosting), and inversely proportional to the thermal differential (the greater the temperature difference between the first and second stages, the shorter the intervals between moments requiring defrosting). The defrosting step specifically concerns the defrosting of the first stage. When the external radiator works as an evaporator, that is, during the winter heating step, it has to work in a cold environment, and its surface reaches temperatures even lower than the ambient temperatures. This results in the formation of frost and / or ice.

[0012] Frost and / or ice are thermal insulators and lead to a significant loss of efficiency of the heat pump.

[0013] The defrosting step involves reversing the traditional flow direction of the heat exchange fluid, thereby requires heating the external evaporator and causing the frost or ice to melt. Clearly, the defrosting step results in a total, albeit intermittent, loss of the heat pump functionality and therefore, it is evident that, within the context of overall operational efficiency, the shorter the duration or the longer the intervals between defrosting steps, the greater the efficiency of the heat pump. The defrosting step, in addition to the temporary loss of thermal efficiency, entails an energy input at least for the flow of the heat exchange fluid, which in turn translates into energy costs for the user.

[0014] Defrosting steps can also be frequent, especially in Southern European regions, where two or three defrosting cycles per hour are often required.

[0015] It is therefore evident that there is a need for optimization of efficiency in heat exchange systems.

[0016] Summary

[0017] To address the aforementioned drawbacks, the Applicant has devised a heat exchanger and a heat pump system whose most important aspects are provided herein below.

[0018] The following aspects can be combined with each other or with portions of the detailed description and the claims.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger (100) is described, comprising:

[0020] - a heat exchange chamber (105) comprising an inlet (106) and an outlet (107);

[0021] - a heat exchange duct (102), having an inlet (103) and an outlet (104), the heat exchange duct (102) being arranged at least partially within said heat exchange chamber (105); wherein the heat exchange chamber (105) defines a heat exchange path for a flow (F) of gas in contact with said heat exchange duct (102), and wherein the heat exchange device (100) comprises a system (108, 140, 141) configured to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at least at a first operating pressure (Po) that is greater than an ambient pressure; said system (108, 140, 141) being configured to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use, flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105).

[0022] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said system (108, 140, 141) comprises at least one of:

[0023] - at least one compressor (108), preferably arranged substantially at the inlet (103) of the heat exchange chamber (105);

[0024] - at least one pressure relief valve (140), configured to adjust the flow (F) of said gas towards the outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and / or substantially at the outlet (104) of said heat exchange chamber (105); - an air heater (141), preferably an electric air heater and / or fluid-based heater.

[0025] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said outlet (107) forms a restriction that prevents a free flow (F) of said gas.

[0026] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said outlet (107) cooperates with said at least one compressor (108) to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at said at least one first operating pressure (Po).

[0027] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said pressure relief valve (140) and / or said air heater (141) operatively cooperate with said compressor (108) to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use, flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet

[0028] (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105).

[0029] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (100) is configured to operatively make at least said at least one compressor (108) and said pressure relief valve (140) to cooperate, optionally said at least one compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), preferably in a configuration of simultaneous operational cooperation, to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at said at least one first operating pressure (Po).

[0030] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the gas comprises air or is air.

[0031] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange chamber (105) is thermally insulated from an external environment.

[0032] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange chamber (105) is delimited by a plurality of side walls (131).

[0033] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber

[0034] (105) forms at least part of a side wall of said plurality of side walls (131).

[0035] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) forms at least part of a lower side wall of said plurality of side walls (131).

[0036] According to a further non-limiting aspect, at least one side wall of said plurality of side walls (131), preferably said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and / or said lower side wall, forms a support for said compressor (108) configured to maintain said compressor (108) in a predefined positional relationship with respect to said heat exchange chamber (105), preferably to maintain said compressor (108) substantially rigidly connected to said heat exchange chamber (105).

[0037] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said side walls (131) are substantially rigid.

[0038] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange duct (102) is part of a heat pump circuit. According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange duct (102) forms at least part of an expansion duct.

[0039] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange fluid (W) tends to expand, optionally evaporate, at said heat exchange duct (102).

[0040] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange fluid (W) tends to progressively heat up during the passage between said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105).

[0041] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange chamber (105) is configured to guide the gas along a path wherein said gas progressively transfers heat to said heat exchange duct (102) and / or to said heat exchange fluid (W) during transit between the inlet (106) of the heat exchange chamber (105) and the outlet (107) of the heat exchange chamber (105).

[0042] According to a further non-limiting aspect, a mutual arrangement between said heat exchange chamber (105) and said heat exchange duct (102) is such that the flow (F) of said gas and the flow of said heat exchange fluid (105) take place, in at least a first portion and preferably in a first and a second portion of said heat exchange chamber (105), along substantially oblique directions, preferably substantially orthogonal.

[0043] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said system (108, 140, 141) is configured and specifically intended to limit, optionally prevent, frost and / or ice formation at said heat exchange duct (102).

[0044] According to a further non-limiting aspect, alternatively:

[0045] - a proximity between the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) is greater than the proximity between the inlet (103) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102), and / or a proximity between the outlet

[0046] (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber

[0047] (105) is greater than a proximity between said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105);

[0048] - a proximity between the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) is less than the proximity between the inlet (103) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102), and / or a proximity between the outlet

[0049] (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber

[0050] (105) is less than a proximity between said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105).

[0051] According to a further non-limiting aspect, alternatively: - the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105), and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105);

[0052] - the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105), and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105).

[0053] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said compressor (108) is a centrifugal and / or volumetric and / or tangential compressor and, preferably, is electrically powered

[0054] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said system (108, 140, 141) comprises at least one of:

[0055] - at least one gas pressure sensor (150) configured to detect at least a first pressure of said gas within said heat exchange chamber (105), said gas pressure sensor (150) being preferably operatively arranged within said heat exchange chamber (105);

[0056] - at least one fluid pressure sensor (151) configured to detect at least a first pressure of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct (102);

[0057] - at least one gas temperature sensor (160) configured to detect at least a first temperature of said gas within said heat exchange chamber (105), said gas temperature sensor (160) being preferably operatively arranged within said heat exchange chamber (105);

[0058] - at least one fluid temperature sensor (161) configured to detect at least a first temperature of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct (102).

[0059] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said system (108, 140, 141) is configured to use measurement data produced by at least one of said gas pressure sensor (150), said fluid pressure sensor (151), said gas temperature sensor (160), and said fluid temperature sensor (161) to control at least one of said compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), preferably to control at least one of said compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), in order to maintain, in a substantially automated manner, said at least one first operating pressure (Po) and / or to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use, flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105) without the need to interrupt the flow and / or reverse the flow direction of said heat exchange fluid (W) within said heat exchange duct (102).

[0060] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heat exchange chamber (105) comprises a plurality of sub-chambers (111) and at least one intermediate wall (110) adapted to distinguish the sub-chambers (111) from one another. According to a further non-limiting aspect, said sub-chambers (111) are in communication with one another.

[0061] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said sub-chambers (111) are configured to collectively define a curved path for said gas, preferably developing along at least a first axis.

[0062] According to a further non-limiting aspect, in use, the flow (F) of said gas follows a direction consistent with said first axis or opposite to said first axis depending on a specific subchamber (111) of said plurality of sub-chambers (111).

[0063] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged so as to allow said heat exchange fluid (W) to follow a path along a direction at least locally oblique, preferably orthogonal, to a direction locally assumed by the flow (F) of said gas.

[0064] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (100) comprises a high thermal exchange structure (112) arranged in said heat exchange chamber (105) and comprising a plurality of fins, preferably made of metal material, held in a predefined mutual spatial configuration, said plurality of fins defining recesses (113) configured to allow the passage of said gas.

[0065] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged in substantial correspondence with said high thermal exchange structure (112). According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchange duct (102) is held by or holds said plurality of fins, and / or wherein said high thermal exchange structure (112) is arranged in at least part of, preferably in each of, said sub-chambers (111).

[0066] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchanger (100) comprises at least one room temperature sensor, configured to provide electronic data of room temperature. According to a further non-limiting aspect, the heat exchanger (100) is configured to adjust said at least one first operating pressure (Po), preferably by electronically and / or automatically adjusting at least one action of said compressor (108), preferably to increase said at least one first operating pressure (Po) as said room temperature electronic data decreases.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, a heat pump system (200) is also described, comprising:

[0068] - a heat exchange circuit, configured to allow circulation of a heat exchange fluid (W) and comprising:

[0069] - a first stage (201) configured to be arranged outside a building (300);

[0070] - a second stage (203) configured to be arranged inside a building (300); - a fluid compressor (202) arranged between said first stage (201) and said second stage (203).

[0071] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first stage (201) comprises at least one heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the aspects described herein.

[0072] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat pump system (200) is such that said heat exchange fluid (W), in use coming from said second stage (203), enters said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and exits from said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) to flow towards said fluid compressor (202).

[0073] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat pump system (200) is configured to operate in continuous cycle and / or without the need for defrosting.

[0074] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said first stage (201) forms at least a first part of an evaporator stage.

[0075] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said second stage (203) forms at least part of a condenser stage.

[0076] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said compressor (202) compresses said heat exchange fluid (W) towards said second stage (203).

[0077] According to a further non-limiting aspect, said heat exchanger (100) forms a second part of said evaporator stage and / or is arranged upstream of said first stage (201) and / or said evaporator stage and / or wherein said second stage (203) is configured to transfer heat to at least one of a domestic heating circuit (301) or a hot water storage unit.

[0078] Figures

[0079] The following detailed description refers to some preferred and non-limiting embodiments of a heat exchanger and a heat pump system, which are described in relation to the attached figures.

[0080] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of a non-limiting embodiment of a heat exchanger.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a finned surface having high thermal exchange connected to a heat exchange duct of the heat exchanger according to the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a heat pump system according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a simplified diagram of a specific embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure, showing the presence of sensors, whose measurements contribute to achieving the technical effect of maintaining relative air heating in the heat exchange chamber by increasing pressure.

[0085] Detailed description

[0086] The reference number identifier 100 in Figure 1 the notes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 100 is configured to provide thermal exchange between a gas, particularly ambient air, and a heat exchange fluid.

[0087] The main intended use of the heat exchanger described herein is to operate within a heat pump system, in order to reduce — and ideally eliminate — the risk of having to activate defrosting steps that contribute to reducing heat exchange efficiency. Advantageously, the heat exchanger 100 object of the present disclosure can be easily installed in pre-existing heat pump systems.

[0088] Nonetheless, the heat exchanger 100 subject of the present disclosure can also be used as a boiler.

[0089] The heat exchanger 100 comprises a heat exchange chamber 105, which includes an inlet 106 and an outlet 107; in use, a gas, particularly ambient air, flows from the inlet 106 to the outlet 107.

[0090] The heat exchange chamber 105 is thermally insulated to prevent heat dispersion from the gas contained therein.

[0091] A heat exchange duct 102 is arranged inside the heat exchange chamber 105. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the heat exchange duct 102 it substantially has a serpentine shape.

[0092] The heat exchange duct 102 has a respective inlet 103 and a respective outlet 104. The heat exchange duct is hydraulically isolated from the heat exchange chamber 105, and the heat exchange fluid W in use that flows through the heat exchange duct 102 between the inlet 103 and the outlet 104 is isolated from the gas.

[0093] The heat exchange chamber 105 defines a thermal exchange path for the flow F of gas that flows in use between the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105 and the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0094] When the heat exchanger 100 is used as a boiler, the heat exchange fluid W can advantageously be circulated in radiators arranged inside the building.

[0095] The thermal exchange path is a substantially curved, predefined path that directs the flow F of gas into contact with the heat exchange duct 102 over a predefined length and for a path that is as long as possible.

[0096] Figure 1 illustrates the presence of a gas compressor 108, which is part of a system 108, 140, 141 configured to heat the heat exchange fluid W and the heat exchange duct 105 while maintaining at least a first operating pressure Po within the heat exchange chamber 105, which is greater than the ambient pressure.

[0097] The compressor 108 is depicted as a centrifugal compressor but can equivalently be tangential or volumetric.

[0098] Preferably, the compressor 108 is electrically powered.

[0099] In particular, the compressor 108, and more generally the system 108, 140, 141 , is designed to maintain a substantially constant operating pressure Po within the heat exchange chamber 105 or to maintain the pressure within the heat exchange chamber 105 within an operational pressure range such that each pressure in that range is greater than the ambient pressure.

[0100] The effect of gas compression produced by the compressor 108 is to increase the temperature of the gas flowing between the inlet 106 and the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0101] The gas, heated by compression, tends to transfer heat first to the heat exchange duct 102 and subsequently — thanks to the high heat transfer capacity of the heat exchange duct 102 — to the heat exchange fluid W flowing within the latter.

[0102] The heat exchange fluid W tends to progressively heat up as it flows between the inlet 103 of the heat exchange duct 105 and the outlet 104 of the heat exchange duct 105.

[0103] It is therefore clear that the heat exchange chamber 105 is configured to guide the gas along a path wherein said gas progressively transfers heat to said heat exchange duct 102 and, finally, to said heat exchange fluid W during its transit between the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105 and the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0104] The heat exchange duct is a high thermal transfer duct, preferably made of metal material, for example, copper and / or zinc and / or silver and / or steel, such as for example stainless steel.

[0105] When the heat exchange duct 102 is a duct in a heat pump and functions as an expansion duct, particularly an evaporator, the effect of the temperature increase achieved by the compression of the gas produced by the compressor 108 helps reduce the risk of frost and / or ice formation on the heat exchange duct 102.

[0106] Clearly, the higher the pressure to which the gas is compressed, the greater its heating, and therefore the higher the effectiveness in preventing frost and / or ice formation on the heat exchange duct.

[0107] Clearly, the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105 is structured to cause a restriction that — by not allowing the free flow of gas — cooperates with the compressor 108 to determine maintaining said at least one first operating pressure Po greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0108] It will be the responsibility of the designer to calculate the relationship between the airflow and / or pressure achievable by using the compressor 108, the volume and / or length of the heat exchange chamber 105, the operating temperatures at which the heat exchanger 100 operates, and the size of the opening of the outlet 107, in order to maintain an effective operating pressure Po.

[0109] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the compressor 108 is arranged upstream of the inlet

[0110] 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105, and an inlet 109 of the compressor preferably draws in free ambient air while the outlet of the compressor 108 feeds air to the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0111] In Figure 1 , the position of the inlet 103 of the heat exchange duct 102 is close to the position of the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105, and the position of the outlet 104 of the heat exchange duct 102 is close to the position of the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105. This configuration is not to be considered limiting.

[0112] Indeed, a first configuration provides that a proximity between the inlet 103 of said heat exchange duct 102 and said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105 is greater than the proximity between the inlet 103 and the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102, and / or a proximity between the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 and said outlet

[0113] 107 of said heat exchange chamber 105 is greater than a proximity between said outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 and said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105.

[0114] In particular, in this first configuration, the inlet 103 of said heat exchange duct 102 is arranged substantially in correspondence with said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105, and the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 is arranged substantially at said outlet 107 of said heat exchange chamber 105.

[0115] A second configuration reverses the flow of the gas / heat exchange fluid with respect to the previous one. In this second configuration, a proximity between the inlet 103 of said heat exchange duct 102 and said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105 is smaller than the proximity between the inlet 103 and the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102, and / or a proximity between the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 and said outlet of said heat exchange duct 102 and said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105.

[0116] In particular, in this second configuration, the inlet 103 of said heat exchange duct 102 is arranged substantially at said outlet 107 of said heat exchange chamber 105, and the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 is arranged substantially at said inlet 106 of said heat exchange chamber 105.

[0117] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a specific embodiment of the heat exchanger 100 described in this disclosure.

[0118] The heat exchanger 100 is equipped with side walls 131 , which collectively define a boxlike structure substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped. Preferably, the side walls 131 include: a lower side wall, an upper side wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. These walls are connected at their respective end portions.

[0119] Preferably, but not exclusively, the side walls 131 are substantially rigid.

[0120] When assembled, the side walls 131 essentially define the heat exchange chamber 105. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the side walls 131 are designed to make the heat exchanger 100 a substantially self-supporting structure.

[0121] The substantially self-supporting structure of the heat exchanger 100 makes it particularly flexible for handling and installation, and facilitates its manufacturability and marketability as a standalone product designed to be integrated into pre-existing systems.

[0122] In the specific embodiment of Figure 2, part of the lower side wall forms the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0123] A front end of the lower side wall, or equivalently of the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105, is flanged in such a way as to create a connection with the compressor 108. This compressor is thus arranged in a predefined positional relationship with respect to the heat exchange chamber 105. The positional relationship is rigid and / or fixed.

[0124] Therefore, the following axes are identified:

[0125] A first axis X, which defines the height of the heat exchange chamber 105;

[0126] A second axis Y, which defines the width of the heat exchange chamber 105;

[0127] A third axis Z, which defines the depth of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0128] The specific embodiment shown in Figure 2 illustrates intermediate walls 110 (also shown in Figure 1), which contribute to forming a plurality of sub-chambers 111.

[0129] The sub-chambers 111 are in communication with one another and are configured to collectively define a curved path for the gas, preferably developing along at least one first axis, for example, the vertical axis.

[0130] In use, the gas flow F follows a direction consistent with a first axis or opposite to said first axis depending on the specific sub-chamber 111 of the plurality of sub-chambers 111. Specifically, in Figure 3, it is clear that the gas flow F moves upwards in the first subchamber 111 (the one furthest to the right and closest to the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105), downwards in the second sub-chamber 111 (adjacent to the first and to its left), upwards again in the third sub-chamber 111 (adjacent to the second and to its left), and downwards again in the fourth sub-chamber 111 (adjacent to the third and to its left). As schematically represented in Figures 1 through 3, the inlet 106 of the heat exchange chamber 105 and the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105 are arranged in a lower portion of the latter. This configuration is not to be understood as limiting, as in an alternative embodiment, both the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange chamber may be arranged in the upper portion of the heat exchange chamber or alternated, and therefore one arranged in the upper portion and the other in the lower portion.

[0131] The heat exchange duct 102, while extending along the vertical development of the heat exchange chamber 105 and along the vertical extension of each sub-chamber 111 , also develops horizontally in a direction that is at least locally orthogonal with respect to the direction of the gas flow F. This allows to maximize thermal exchange between the gas and the heat exchange fluid W and enables a particularly compact structure, saving significant space compared to the need for large heat exchangers in the evaporators of the traditional heat pumps.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, the vertical direction is identified by axis X, while the horizontal direction is identified by axis Y and / or axis Z.

[0133] Observing the figures of the preferred embodiment, it is evident that at least in some portions of the heat exchange chamber 105, the gas flow F and the heat exchange fluid flow W are arranged along significantly oblique, particularly orthogonal, directions. Preferably, there exist a first and a second portion of the heat exchange chamber 105 wherein the gas flow F and the heat exchange fluid flow W occur along orthogonal directions. This particular configuration promotes an extensive thermal exchange surface and increases the efficiency of the device described herein.

[0134] In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, the heat exchange chamber 105 includes a high thermal exchange structure 112 configured to enhance the thermal exchange between the gas and the heat exchange fluid W.

[0135] The high thermal exchange structure comprises a plurality of fins, preferably made of metal material.

[0136] The fins are arranged in a predefined mutual spatial configuration and define recesses 113. The recesses 113 are parallel to each other and allow the passage of gas flow along a substantially vertical direction.

[0137] It is therefore clear that the fins can be arranged in a substantially parallel configuration and, in particular, can be placed at a fixed respective distance from one another.

[0138] In the preferred embodiment, each sub-chamber 111 has a respective high thermal exchange structure.

[0139] The heat exchange duct 102 is both held by and holds the fins; indeed for example, the fins may be welded to the heat exchange duct. Alternatively, the fins may have through holes that allow the insertion of part of the heat exchange duct 102.

[0140] Curved "U"-shaped portions of the heat exchange duct 102 extend from the high thermal exchange structure 112.

[0141] A more complex embodiment of the heat exchanger 100 subject of the present disclosure includes a pressure relief valve identified by reference number 140.

[0142] Preferably, but not exclusively, the pressure relief valve 140 is arranged substantially at the outlet 107 of the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0143] The pressure relief valve is configured to adjust the flow F of said gas towards the outlet 107 of said heat exchange chamber 105 and / or substantially at the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102.

[0144] The pressure relief valve 140 can adopt multiple configurations, each determining a variable opening that allows the reduction or increase of the flow F and / or the pressure within the heat exchange chamber.

[0145] Figure 6 illustrates a specific and non-limiting embodiment of the heat exchanger 100 according to the disclosure, which, in addition to the pressure relief valve 140, may include an electric air heater 141.

[0146] The electric air heater 141 may be included as an alternative to the pressure relief valve 140. The purpose of the electric air heater 141 is to assist the at least one compressor 108 in heating the gas flowing into the heat exchange chamber 105.

[0147] The Applicant notes that the electric air heater 141 can equivalently be replaced with or integrated with a fluid heater. Thus, in one embodiment, the air heater may be a hybrid electric and fluid air heater.

[0148] Figure 6 illustrates a particular embodiment of the heat exchanger 100 wherein the system 108, 140, 141 also includes:

[0149] - at least one gas pressure sensor 150 configured to detect at least a first pressure of said gas within said heat exchange chamber 105; - at least one fluid pressure sensor 151 configured to detect at least a first pressure of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct 102;

[0150] - at least one gas temperature sensor 160 configured to detect at least a first temperature of said gas within said heat exchange chamber 105;

[0151] - at least one fluid temperature sensor 161 configured to detect at least a first temperature of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct 102.

[0152] The sensors described above may be present in combination or in a limited selection.

[0153] Preferably, the gas pressure sensor 150 is arranged within said heat exchange chamber 105. Preferably, the gas temperature sensor 160 is arranged within said heat exchange chamber 105.

[0154] The aforementioned sensors are configured to transmit electronic measurement data to a data processing unit, schematically represented in Figure 6 by the reference "pP." The data processing unit, or control unit, may be a general-purpose processor specifically configured to execute one or more parts of the process identified in the present disclosure via software or firmware or be an ASIC or dedicated processor, or an FPGA specifically programmed to perform at least part of the operations of the process described herein.

[0155] The system 108, 140, 141 is configured to use the electronic measurement data produced by at least one of the gas pressure sensor 150, the fluid pressure sensor 151 , the gas temperature sensor 160, and the fluid temperature sensor 161 to control at least one of the compressor 108, the pressure relief valve 140, and the electric air heater 141.

[0156] Using the data processing unit, the control of at least one of the compressor 108, the pressure relief valve 140, and the electric air heater 141 is performed to maintain, in a substantially automated manner, said at least one first operating pressure Po and / or to heat a heat exchange fluid W without the need for flow interruption and / or reversal of the flow direction of said heat exchange fluid W within said heat exchange duct 102.

[0157] A specific embodiment of the heat exchanger 100 provides for the generation of electronic data indicative of ambient temperature and electronically adjusts — via the aforementioned data processing unit — at least one level of gas compression provided by the compressor 108 and more generally, it adjusts the operating pressure within the heat exchange chamber 105, increasing it as ambient temperature decreases.

[0158] It is therefore clear that the heat exchanger 100 subject of this disclosure is particularly intended to be applied to a heat pump system to enable its operation, specifically in winter mode, without the need for defrosting steps.

[0159] The present disclosure thus refers to a heat pump system comprising first of all a thermal exchange circuit configured to allow circulation of a heat exchange fluid W.

[0160] As schematically illustrated in Figure 5, the aforementioned system includes a first stage 201 and a second stage 203 hydraulically connected to the first stage 201.

[0161] The first stage 201 is configured to be arranged outside a building 300 and thus, allowing thermal exchange between the heat exchange fluid W and the surrounding environment of the building 300.

[0162] The second stage 203 is configured to be arranged inside the building 300 (e.g., a house, apartment, or industrial building).

[0163] The system 200 also includes a fluid compressor 202. This compressor is arranged between said first stage 201 and said second stage 203.

[0164] The first stage 201 includes at least one heat exchanger 100 according to what has been described herein.

[0165] The hydraulic circuit configuration of the system subject of this disclosure is such that the heat exchange fluid W, in use coming from said second stage 203, enters the inlet 103 of said heat exchange duct 102 and exits from the outlet 104 of said heat exchange duct 102 to flow towards said fluid compressor 202.

[0166] The heat pump system 200 is configured to operate in continuous cycle and / or without the need for defrosting. It is also clear that the heat exchanger 100 is intended to operate continuously.

[0167] Said first stage 201 forms at least a first part of an evaporator stage for the heat exchange fluid W, and the second stage 203 forms at least part of a condenser stage for the heat exchange fluid W, while the fluid compressor 202 compresses the heat exchange fluid W flowing towards said second stage 203.

[0168] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 described herein forms a second part of said evaporator stage and / or is arranged upstream of said first stage 201 and / or said evaporator stage.

[0169] Furthermore, the second stage 203 is configured to transfer heat to at least one of a domestic heating circuit 301 or a hot water storage unit.

[0170] Finally, it is noted that some embodiments of the heat exchanger 100 subject of the present disclosure may integrate a pump for the heat exchange fluid W. This pump may be arranged inside the heat exchange chamber 105 or outside the heat exchange chamber 105. The purpose of the pump is to force the flow of the heat exchange fluid W through the heat exchange duct 102.

[0171] Preferably, the pump is electrically powered and can be controlled by the data processing unit previously described.

[0172] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the attached figures. For this reason, the reference numbers and symbols in the claims are provided solely to enhance intelligibility and should not be considered limiting. Finally, it is clear that additions, modifications, or variations obvious to a person skilled in the art may be made to the subject of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Heat exchanger (100), comprising:- a heat exchange chamber (105) comprising an inlet (106) and an outlet (107);- a heat exchange duct (102), having an inlet (103) and an outlet (104), the heat exchange duct (102) being arranged at least partially within said heat exchange chamber (105); wherein the heat exchange chamber (105) defines a thermal exchange path for a flow (F) of gas in contact with said heat exchange duct (102), and wherein the heat exchanger (100) comprises a system (108, 140, 141) configured to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at least a first operating pressure (Po) that is greater than an ambient pressure; said system (108, 140, 141) being configured to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105).

2. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said system (108, 140, 141) comprises at least one of:- at least one compressor (108), preferably arranged substantially at the inlet (103) of the heat exchange chamber (105);- at least one pressure relief valve (140), configured to adjusts the flow (F) of said gas towards the outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and / or substantially at the outlet (104) of said heat exchange chamber (105);- an air heater (141), preferably an electric air heater and / or a fluid-based air heater; preferably wherein said outlet (107) forms a restriction preventing a free flow (F) of said gas and cooperates with said at least one compressor (108) to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at said at least one first operating pressure (Po), and / or preferably wherein said pressure relief valve (140) and / or said air heater (141) operatively cooperate with said compressor (108) to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105).

3. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, configured to operatively make at least said at least one compressor (108) and said pressure relief valve (140) to cooperate, optionally said at least one compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), preferably in a configuration of simultaneous operational cooperation, in order to maintain said heat exchange chamber (105) at said at least one first operating pressure (Po), preferably wherein said gas comprises air;said heat exchange chamber (105) being thermally insulated from an external environment; said heat exchange chamber (105) being delimited by a plurality of side walls (131), substantially rigid; the inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) forming at least part of a side wall of said plurality of side walls (131), preferably forming at least part of a lower side wall of said plurality of side walls (131); at least one side wall of said plurality of side walls (131), preferably said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and / or said lower side wall, forming a support for said compressor (108) configured to maintain said compressor (108) in a predefined positional relationship with respect to said heat exchange chamber (105), preferably to maintain said compressor (108) substantially rigidly connected to said heat exchange chamber (105).

4. Heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said heat exchange duct (102) is part of a heat pump circuit and forms at least part of an expansion duct, said heat exchange fluid (W) tending to expand, optionally evaporate, at said heat exchange duct (102), wherein said heat exchange fluid (W) tends to progressively heat up when passing between said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105), and wherein said heat exchange chamber (105) is configured to guide the gas along a path in which said gas progressively transfers heat to said heat exchange duct (102) and / or to said heat exchange fluid (W) during transit between the inlet (106) of the heat exchange chamber (105) and the outlet (107) of the heat exchange chamber (105), and / or wherein a mutual arrangement between said heat exchange chamber (105) and said heat exchange duct (102) is such that the flow (F) of said gas and the flow of said heat exchange fluid (105) occur, in at least a first and preferably in a first and second portion of said heat exchange chamber (105), along substantially oblique, preferably substantially orthogonal, directions.

5. Heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said system (108, 140, 141) is configured and specifically intended to limit, optionally prevent, frost and / or ice formation at said heat exchange duct (102); and / or wherein, alternatively:- a proximity between the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) is greater than the proximity between the inlet (103) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102), and / or a proximity between the outlet(105) is greater than a proximity between said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105);- a proximity between the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) is smaller than the proximity between the inlet (103) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102), and / or a proximity between the outlet(104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber(105) is smaller than a proximity between said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) and said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105); preferably wherein, alternatively:- the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially in correspondence with said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105);- the inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said outlet (107) of said heat exchange chamber (105) and the outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged substantially at said inlet (106) of said heat exchange chamber (105).

6. Heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said compressor (108) is a centrifugal, volumetric, and / or tangential compressor and, preferably, is electrically powered, and / or wherein said system (108, 140, 141) comprises at least one of:- at least one gas pressure sensor (150) configured to detect at least a first pressure of said gas within said heat exchange chamber (105), said gas pressure sensor (150) being preferably operatively arranged within said heat exchange chamber (105);- at least one fluid pressure sensor (151) configured to detect at least a first pressure of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct (102);- at least one gas temperature sensor (160) configured to detect at least a first temperature of said gas within said heat exchange chamber (105), said gas temperature sensor (160) being preferably operatively arranged within said heat exchange chamber (105);- at least one fluid temperature sensor (161) configured to detect at least a first temperature of said heat exchange fluid within said heat exchange duct (102);- and wherein said system (108, 140, 141) is configured to use measurement data achieved by at least one of said gas pressure sensor (150), said fluid pressure sensor (151), said gas temperature sensor (160), and said fluid temperature sensor (161) to control at least one of said compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), preferablyto control at least one of said compressor (108), said pressure relief valve (140), and said air heater (141), in order to maintain, in a substantially automated manner, said at least one first operating pressure (Po) and / or to heat a heat exchange fluid (W) in use flowing from said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (105) to said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (105) and / or said heat exchange duct (105) without requiring interruption of the flow and / or reversal of the flow direction of said heat exchange fluid (W) within said heat exchange duct (102).

7. Heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said heat exchange chamber (105) comprises a plurality of sub-chambers (111) and at least one intermediate wall (110) adapted to distinguish the sub-chambers (111) from one another; wherein the sub-chambers (111) are in communication with one another and are configured to collectively define a curved path for said gas, preferably developing along at least a first axis, and wherein, in use, the flow (F) of said gas follows a direction consistent with said first axis or opposite to said first axis depending on a specific sub-chamber (111) of said plurality of sub-chambers (111); and wherein said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged so as to allow said heat exchange fluid (W) to follow a path along a direction at least locally oblique, preferably orthogonal, to a direction locally assumed by the flow (F) of said gas.

8. Heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a high thermal exchange structure (112) arranged in said heat exchange chamber (105) and comprising a plurality of fins, preferably made of metallic material, held in a predefined mutual spatial configuration, said plurality of fins defining recesses (113) configured to allow the passage of said gas; and wherein said heat exchange duct (102) is arranged in substantial at said high thermal exchange structure (112), preferably wherein said heat exchange duct (102) is held by or holds said plurality of fins, and / or wherein said high thermal exchange structure (112) is arranged in at least part of, preferably in each of, said sub-chambers (111).

9. Heat pump system (200) comprising:- a thermal exchange circuit, configured to allow circulation of a heat exchange fluid (W) and comprising:- a first stage (201) configured to be arranged outside a building (300);- a second stage (203) configured to be arranged inside a building (300);- a fluid compressor (202) arranged between said first stage (201) and said second stage (203);- wherein said first stage (201) comprises at least one heat exchanger (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and is such that said heat exchange fluid (W), in use coming from said second stage (203), enters said inlet (103) of said heat exchange duct (102) and exits from said outlet (104) of said heat exchange duct (102) to flow towards said fluid compressor (202); said heat pump system (200) being configured to operate in continuous cycle and / or without the need for defrosting.

10. Heat pump system (200) according to claim 9, wherein:- said first stage (201) forms at least a first part of an evaporator stage;- said second stage (203) forms at least part of a condenser stage;- said compressor (202) compresses said heat exchange fluid (W) towards said second stage (203); preferably wherein said heat exchanger (100) forms a second part of said evaporator stage and / or is arranged upstream of said first stage (201) and / or said evaporator stage and / or wherein said second stage (203) is configured to transfer heat to at least one of a domestic heating circuit (301) or a hot water storage unit.