Exchanger for a set of tanks

Abstract

An apparatus for heating or cooling and storing liquids includes: a group of tanks comprising two generally cylindrical tanks arranged side-by-side and with parallel axes to define a channel region between their mutually facing surfaces, the tanks being fluidly connected to each other; at least one heat exchanger comprising side-by-side and generally coplanar channels configured to allow refrigerant fluid flow to define a heat exchange surface having a winding length along a winding direction perpendicular to the tank axis; and a height defined between an upper and lower end of the exchanger, the height being substantially perpendicular to the winding length; each channel comprising a plurality of microchannels; the exchanger comprising two sides wound around at least a portion of the outer curved surface of each tank; and a connecting portion defined between the two sides and adapted in the channel region, forming a loop segment in cross-section opposite to the curvature of the sides wound around the portion of the outer surface of the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water heating or cooling system.

[0002] More generally, the invention is applicable to any water heating or cooling system, preferably a heat pump type, comprising a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with a body to be heated and / or cooled, which typically consists of a fluid storage tank. Such systems can be, for example, heat pump water heaters for domestic water supply that heat a domestic water storage tank; or heat pump air conditioning systems that regulate technical fluids used to power radiators, underfloor systems, or fan convection units. Heating and air conditioning can be combined in a single system. Background Technology

[0003] A heat pump system includes a refrigeration loop through which a heat transfer fluid flows. In the loop, the heat transfer fluid is propelled by the compressor to a condenser section, then a first connecting section guides the condensed heat transfer fluid through a throttling device to an evaporator section. In the evaporator section, the heat transfer fluid turns into a gaseous state and returns to the compressor via a second connecting section. The condenser and evaporator constitute two heat exchangers. In a heat pump system used for air conditioning, the circulation direction of the heat transfer fluid can be reversed, and the refrigeration loop section that exchanges heat with the technical fluid reservoir can operate as both a condenser and an evaporator.

[0004] Heat pump water heaters with dual heat transfer loops configured to operate in parallel are known; the dual loops provide flexibility to reduce consumption when full rated power is not required. In the known loops, two condensers are connected... Figure 5.A Different parts of device 1.a in the device exchange heat.

[0005] Heat exchangers having what are referred to herein as microchannels (e.g., channels with internal channel dimensions, such as a diameter of 0.5-2 mm) are known, and they are heat exchange devices, for example, used in air conditioning systems for residential or commercial vehicles. A microchannel heat exchanger comprises a body in which channels, i.e., extremely fine pipes or paths commonly referred to as microchannels, are formed. They are called microchannels because they are characterized by a smaller cross-section than conventional channels. Microchannel technology is used to increase the contact area and thus improve the efficiency of the heat exchanger. Structures composed of microchannels typically have a planar unfolded form, with the microchannels arranged along a portion of a plane. Compared to conventional exchangers, this configuration allows for a larger heat exchange surface while maintaining the same internal volume of the refrigeration circuit. Microchannel exchangers are known in which all microchannels are connected at one end to a single distribution manifold from which the fluid originates, and at the other end to a single return manifold to which the fluid continues its path. See also Figure 5.A and 5.B Devices 1.a and 1.b are mentioned.

[0006] Microchannel heat exchangers can be used as condensers in thermal storage heating systems for producing sanitary or technical hot water, or as evaporators or condensers in air conditioning systems. The heat exchanger will be referred to below as both a condenser and an evaporator in a refrigeration circuit.

[0007] Tanks used for heating or cooling fluids have a cylindrical configuration and are structurally optimized for fluid containment. Microchannel exchangers available on the market for liquid heating / cooling applications are typically manufactured in a flat configuration.

[0008] It is convenient to adapt a flat shape to the shape of the exchange surface; especially in the case of cylindrical tanks, it is convenient to bend the microchannel exchanger to fit the cylindrical surface.

[0009] Hygienic or technical water heaters are known to have their storage distributed across two tanks, one for fluid inlet and the other for outlet to a distribution point, with the two tanks fluidly connected. This arrangement can be used to obtain a form factor more suited to specific manufacturing needs. In this case, the two tanks are connected in parallel, and the fluid is fed into the outlet tank to a height substantially the same as that drawn from the inlet tank, such as... Figure 5.A The device is shown in 1.a. Alternatively, the two tanks can be connected in series, with fluid drawn from the top of the inlet tank and sent to the bottom of the outlet tank, as shown in [example description]. Figure 6.A As shown in device 2.a, since the temperature trend inside the tank tends to increase monotonically from bottom to top, these two connection types meet different functional requirements.

[0010] Therefore, it is useful to adapt a microchannel exchanger to an exchange surface that includes two cylinders. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to increase the exchange surface for dual-tank configurations with either parallel or series fluid connections and exchanger bodies.

[0012] Another objective is to create a simplified manufacturing and assembly process by moving the bending process to the final production stage, allowing the flat exchanger body to be customized for the geometry of single or dual tanks, simplifying the process and allowing the use of exchangers that are initially flat in shape, making them easier to store and handle.

[0013] According to at least some variations, another object of the present invention is to improve the thermal insulation of the storage tank by enhancing the thermal insulation of areas with greater external heat loss.

[0014] Another objective of other variations is to increase strength and facilitate heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the storage tank.

[0015] It can be seen that the objective of the present invention can also be achieved for the following microchannel exchanger body, which includes two independent cooling circuits and is configured to prevent fluid communication from one cooling circuit to the other.

[0016] The present invention addresses the problem by providing an improved apparatus for heating or cooling and storing liquids, and a method for manufacturing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a set of storage tanks, hereinafter referred to as a "dual-tank apparatus".

[0017] In the dual-tank device according to the invention, at least one heat exchanger is provided, which includes a portion wrapped around at least a portion of the outer surface of each tank and a connecting portion adapted to be located in a channel region between the tanks located between their opposing surfaces, forming a cross-sectional ring segment whose curvature is opposite to those portions wrapped around the outer surface of the tanks.

[0018] The equipment includes an outer shell adapted to house the set of storage tanks and heat exchangers, and insulation material disposed between the outer shell and the components.

[0019] According to one possible implementation, the device includes a guide element disposed between the exchanger and the housing, having a generally wedge-shaped cross-section, one side of the guide element facing the portion of the exchanger adapted to the channel area between the tanks, and the opposite side facing the housing of the device, and assisting in maintaining the exchanger close to the mutually facing surfaces of the two tanks.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the guide element is made of a material with better thermal insulation properties than foam, thus improving the thermal insulation of the exchanger at the wedge portion.

[0021] The process for bending the exchanger is also described, comprising the steps of: preparing a guide element having a wedge-shaped contact profile and a length at least equal to the lateral extension of the exchanger relative to the microchannel extension, and applying pressure to at least one exchanger through the guide element to form a recess in the region between the mutually facing surfaces of the exchanger for insertion into two tanks.

[0022] The dual-tank equipment described herein can be a hot water storage device for sanitary purposes, or a technical fluid storage device designed to cool and / or heat an indoor space. The exchanger can be a heat pump exchanger, and thus serves as a condenser or evaporator, but is not limited to heat pump exchangers.

[0023] According to possible implementations compatible with all described variations, microchannels are used to fabricate a dual-cross-loop heat exchanger comprising two separate cooling loops configured to prevent fluid communication between the two cooling loops and sharing a common heat exchanger body configured to be traversed by heat-transfer fluids through two paths, hereinafter referred to as "fluid paths". Each flow path belongs to a different cooling loop, and each flow path includes multiple channels configured to be arranged in a heat-exchange relationship with at least one identical body to be heated or cooled. Channels belonging to the same loop are connected to each other to create a seamless passage between an inlet connection located upstream and an outlet connection located downstream of each flow path.

[0024] Since at least a portion of the channels of each flow path are alternately arranged with the channels of the other flow path on the heat exchange surface between the exchanger body and the body to be heated or cooled, both loops exchange heat with the same body.

[0025] Connections between channels with the same flow path can be made directly through a common connection sleeve or through a bypass connection.

[0026] The availability of two compressors (their combined power provides the maximum required power) also allows for power regulation at at least two levels, with reductions when heating demand is low. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The features of the invention will be better highlighted by the following description of preferred embodiments, based on the patent claims and the accompanying drawings, which are shown purely by way of non-limiting example, wherein: Figure 1 This shows a pair of storage tanks connected in series; Figure 2 This shows a pair of storage tanks connected in parallel; Figure 3 The image shows a pair of tanks according to a front view, and the ends of a microchannel exchanger wrapped around a portion of the outer surface of each tank. Figure 4 A pair of tanks and a microchannel exchanger are shown in cross-section, according to a cross-sectional view, as well as the ends of the exchanger surrounding a portion of the outer surface of each tank; Figure 5.A An apparatus is shown with two tanks and an exchanger connected in parallel, particularly a microchannel exchanger with a single refrigeration circuit; Figure 5.B and 5.C The device shown has an exchanger with two tanks and two refrigeration circuits connected in parallel, and the exchanger channels have two different configurations; Figure 6.A , 6.B And 6.C are similar to Figure 5.A , 5.B And 5.C, but the two storage tanks are connected in series; Figure 7 Cross-sectional details of a device with guiding elements are shown; Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a device having two tanks and a portion of an exchanger is shown. The exchanger includes a portion wrapped around a portion of each tank and a portion adapted to a passage area between the tanks, as well as guide elements. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a device similar to the previous figure is shown, but with a second possible embodiment having guide elements; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a device similar to the previous figure is shown, but with a third possible embodiment featuring guide elements; Figure 11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the possible outline of a guide element that mates with the microchannels of a switch; Figure 12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a possible fastening end element of a guide element that mates with the microchannels of a converter; Figure 13.A shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment; Figure 13.B The details of Figure 13.A are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Features of some variations of the invention will now be described by way of example, using the reference numerals included in the figures. It should be noted that, although the figures are schematic, they reproduce the elements of the invention according to the scale and orientation of their spatial dimensions, which are compatible with possible practical embodiments.

[0029] It should also be noted that any dimensional and spatial terms (such as “lower,” “upper,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc.) refer to the position of the elements shown in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the possible operating positions.

[0030] In the following text, a cross section refers to a view in a plane perpendicular to the extended axes of tanks 31 and 32.

[0031] refer to Figure 3 Front view and Figure 4 The cross-section of device 1 includes: - A set of tanks comprising two substantially cylindrical tanks 31, 32—unless any closed end caps, such as hemispherical end caps—placed side by side with parallel axes to define a channel region 33 between their mutually facing surfaces 313, 323, and fluid connection, and preferably rigidly constrained to each other; - At least one heat exchanger 4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c, hereinafter referred to as "exchanger 4", preferably of the microchannel type, comprising channels configured to allow refrigerant fluid flow, these channels being placed side by side, preferably parallel to each other for at least the extended main portion, and substantially coplanar to define a heat exchange surface having a planar configuration and a winding length parallel to the channel extension direction, the exchanger 4 comprising two portions 41, 42, each portion wound around at least a portion of the outer surface of one of the two tanks 31, 32, and a connecting portion 44 adapted in the channel region 33; the connecting portion 44 forming in cross-section an annular segment with a curvature opposite to that of the portions 41, 42 wound around the partial outer surfaces of the tanks 31, 32.

[0032] "Parallel passages" refers to two passages, for example, along a direction parallel to the tank axis, that are in contact with each other, or even close to each other, but not necessarily in direct contact, and may include fins or connecting parts.

[0033] "For at least the main extended portion, preferably parallel to each other" refers to a geometry and embodiment in which the channels are not necessarily parallel to each other along the entire extension from the delivery manifold to the return manifold. According to one embodiment and with reference to... Figure 4 The channel region 33, where the connecting portion 44 is located, is defined in cross-section by the following portions: - The mutually facing portions 313 and 323 on the surface of the storage tank. An imaginary line l is tangent to the two storage tanks and passes through points L and L' (the points of maximum distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the tanks); and - Points M and M' (the minimum distance points between the tanks) on the surface of the tanks located on an imaginary line extending from the connecting axis. Therefore, the passage region 33 includes a space arranged between the two tanks 31 and 32, defined between two symmetrical points M and M' with the minimum mutual distance and two symmetrical points L and L' with the maximum mutual distance on the facing surfaces 313 and 323 of the two tanks. Therefore, the connecting portion 44 does not interfere with the minimum distance between the facing surfaces 313 and 323 of the two tanks.

[0034] according to Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the two winding portions 41 and 42 are side portions relative to the extension direction of the microchannel, while the connecting portion 44 is the middle portion.

[0035] Microchannel heat exchanger 4, hereinafter referred to as "exchanger", includes exchangers used for a single refrigeration loop 4a, such as... Figure 5.A and 6.A As shown, and the heat exchangers used for single refrigeration loops 4b and 4b', which exchange heat only with a portion of the storage tank, such as Figure 5.B and 6.B As shown, or for a dual-cooling-loop exchanger 4c, such as Figure 5.C and 6.C As shown (same as above, in this case it is used for selectively dispersing heating), the two refrigeration circuits 5a and 5b are separate and configured to have no fluid communication with each other.

[0036] Similarly, in Figure 5.B and 6.B In one embodiment, two heat exchangers can be provided, corresponding to two separate refrigeration circuits, driven by separate heat pumps, and configured to have no fluid communication with each other, so as to control the two tank sections independently (and in a modular manner).

[0037] Similarly, in Figure 5.C and 6.C In one embodiment, two exchanger bodies can be set up, corresponding to the same refrigeration circuit, driven by a single heat pump; then, only a portion of the circuit can be selectively activated or deactivated by appropriate control logic of the single heat pump (in which case adjustment is not possible).

[0038] Preferably, the two refrigeration loops A and B are driven by separate heat pump generators, and the two loops are functionally independent. Other embodiments with planar geometry configurations of the microchannels include asymmetric configurations, wherein a greater number of channels in loop 5a are in heat exchange relationships with the first tank 31 than with the second tank 32, and vice versa. This feature enables differentiated temperature control of one tank relative to another, and is particularly useful when the tanks are connected in series.

[0039] like Figure 5.B and 6.B As shown, more than one switch body 4b and 4b' can also be set. In this case, the difference between each switch body 4b, 4b' and a single switch body 4a is only in its height a ( Figure 6.A , 6.B 6.C), where "the height of switches 4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c" refers to their height along direction H ( Figure 5.B The extension dimension of the microchannel is perpendicular to its extension direction and parallel to the axes of tanks 31 and 32. The fluid connection between the two tanks can be in series, such as... Figure 6.A-6.C Examples 2.a, 2.b, and 2.c; or in parallel, such as Figure 5.A-5.C Examples 1.a, 1.b, and 1.c.

[0040] therefore, Figure 5.A-5.C Configurations 1.a, 1.b, 1.c and Figure 6.A-6.C Configurations 2.a, 2.b, and 2.c are possible embodiments of devices 1 and 1' described below.

[0041] Typically, heat exchanger 4 can function as either a condenser or an evaporator, depending on the direction of fluid circulation, and as is well known, the direction of fluid circulation is reversible.

[0042] In operation, the equipment 1 and 1' typically includes an outer shell 7 that houses the insulation layer 8, and the set of storage tanks 31 and 32 and the exchanger 4 are located within the insulation layer 8. Figure 4 The outer container / shell 7 of devices 1 and 1' is shown; the space between the shell 7 and the storage tanks 31 and 32 is filled with thermal insulation material 8. Figure 7 , 8 (9, 10). According to the prior art, the thermal insulation material 8 may include polyurethane foam or expanded polyurethane, injected during the production step by a known foaming process.

[0043] According to possible embodiments, device 1' includes at least one guide element 6, 6', 6'' (see Figure 7 , 8 (9, 10), which are disposed at the connection portion 44 of the exchangers 4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c, and located on the portion of the exchangers facing away from the storage tanks 31, 32. Therefore, guide elements 6, 6', 6'' are disposed between the at least one exchanger 4 and the housing 7, and at least a portion of their outer surface is embedded in the insulating material 8. In a dimension parallel to the axis of the storage tanks 31, 32, guide elements 6, 6', 6'' have an extension at least equal to the height a of the at least one exchanger 4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c.

[0044] Guide elements 6, 6', 6'' can be held in place by thermal insulation material 8, and can optionally be... Figure 11 and 12 The additional fixing devices 11 and 12 are implemented.

[0045] Preferably, in cross-section, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' show a convex contact profile toward the connection portion 44 of the exchanger.

[0046] Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' is equal to or lower than that of the insulation material 8. Optionally, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' comprise a plastic material, preferably an expanded type, selected from: polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, such as expanded polystyrene (EP), sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), and expanded polyurethane (EPU).

[0047] Preferably, the rigidity of the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' is equal to or greater than that of the thermal insulation material 8.

[0048] Preferably, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' are perpendicular to Figure 5.B The stiffness of the lateral deformation direction H is greater than that of the exchanger 4 in the same direction.

[0049] According to the prior art, the exchanger mainly comprises aluminum and has a microporous structure with a thickness of less than 4 mm in a direction extending perpendicular to its plane. Therefore, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' containing the expanded plastic materials listed above help to provide greater structural rigidity to the assembly.

[0050] Preferably, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' are configured to transmit pressure P to the outer surface of the connecting portion 44, wherein the outer surface is the surface facing the housing 7. The guide elements 6, 6', 6'' are positioned to act as wedges, thereby helping to reduce the distance between the connecting portion 44 and the surfaces of the tanks 31, 32.

[0051] According to the reference Figure 8 In one possible embodiment, the depth of the guide element 6' (measured along a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the two cylindrical tanks) is substantially equal to the distance between the inner surface of the housing 7 and the at least one exchanger 4 at its connection portion 44. The guide element 6' is configured to transmit pressure P to the exchanger by directly engaging with the housing 7. In practice, the depth of the guide element 6' is substantially equal to the depth of the cavity filled with the insulating material 8.

[0052] Alternative and equivalent embodiments are not excluded, wherein the depth of the guide element 6'' (measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane comprising the axes of the two cylindrical tanks) is substantially less than the distance between the inner surface of the outer casing 7 and the at least one heat exchanger 4 at its connection portion 44 (i.e., a wedge shallower than the outer cavity), and the gasket element 621 is positioned between the guide element 6'' and the outer casing 7. In this embodiment, the gasket element 621 preferably has stiffness characteristics similar to those of the guide elements 6, 6', 6'', but it does not necessarily have thermal insulation properties. The gasket element 621 may also be made as a frame, such as a metal frame, including gaps suitable for filling the insulation material 8.

[0053] Alternatively, guide elements 6, 6', 6'' can be anchored to exchanger 4 and / or at least one of the tanks using suitable fastening elements (e.g., frames, attachment elements fixed to the heat exchanger recess, brackets, appropriate molding structures for guide elements).

[0054] Possible examples of fixing devices include grooves 11 formed within guide elements 6, 6', 6'', which mate with corresponding recesses 9 in heat exchanger 4, such as... Figure 11 As shown. Advantageously, the groove 11 can be configured to engage with the recess 9 on the surface of the exchanger 4 located at the microchannel 9.

[0055] Alternative or additional fixing devices may be support elements 12 arranged along the tanks 31, 32, configured to mate with the upper and / or lower edges of the exchanger 4, such as... Figure 12 As shown schematically in the diagram.

[0056] The fixing device, particularly the groove 11 and the support element 12, is configured to keep the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' close to the heat exchanger 4 at the connection portion 44, thereby enhancing the insulation effect in areas where the distance between the heat exchanger 4 and the surfaces of the tanks 31, 32 is greatest and which would otherwise be unfavorable for heat exchange. Generally, the use of the fixing device for the heat exchanger or tank is not limited to versions where the guide element 6'' does not directly or indirectly mate with the housing 7; the fixing device is also compatible with other versions of the guide elements 6, 6'. For example, during the filling process of the cavity between the tank and the heat exchanger 4 and the housing 7, such as during foaming, the fixing device, for example, helps to counteract the movement of the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' in the longitudinal direction H.

[0057] Optionally, the exchanger 4 may be coated with a material that increases thermal conductivity on its side facing the tanks 31 and 32 (including its connecting portion 44). This can be achieved, for example, by applying thermally conductive paste to the surface of the exchanger intended to contact the tanks. Thermally conductive paste is a highly thermally conductive material composed of a matrix (e.g., based on silicone or butyl rubber, more generally, based on polymers) and thermally conductive fillers (e.g., metal-based particles). Importantly, the thermally conductive paste is applied only to the surface of each channel that will contact the tanks, avoiding the paste connecting to pairs of side-by-side channels: this is because the thermal conductivity of the exchanger channels to the tanks must be maximized to avoid lateral heat loss. In each variation described herein, the advantage of the configuration of the exchanger 4 is that the same side always faces the tanks, thus allowing for the possible formation of a thermally conductive surface. Similarly, an insulating surface can be created on the surface facing away from the tanks 31 and 32.

[0058] According to any embodiment, the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' allow for adjustment of the insulation effect in areas where the distance between the exchanger 4 and the surfaces of the tanks 31, 32 is large and therefore where heat loss is significant. The foaming or filling process, in any case, using insulation material, can be defective; the guide elements 6, 6', 6'' can serve as insulation elements where the insulation capacity can be enhanced, or, in any case, their insulation capacity is easier to control compared to the remaining insulation material used in areas of lower heat loss.

[0059] In addition to processing the surfaces of the exchanger facing the two tanks, 313 and 323, or as a supplement, inserts or thermal bridges 10 may be inserted within the channel region 33 (schematically shown in Figures 13.A and 13.B), the channel region being located between the facing surfaces 313 and 323 and the connecting portion 44. For example, the inserts or thermal bridges 10 may include heat transfer fins or other equivalent devices to facilitate heat transfer from the surfaces of the exchanger 4 facing the tanks.

[0060] A method for bending the exchanger 4, starting from a planar shape, will now be described. The method includes manufacturing a set of tanks and exchangers, and comprises the following steps, which are not necessarily performed in the listed order: a. Arrange a first storage tank 31 and a second storage tank 32, both of which are basically cylindrical, side by side, with parallel axes and fluid connection, and preferably rigidly constrained to each other. b. Arrange at least one microchannel heat exchanger 4, which includes channels configured to allow refrigerant fluid flow, the channels being arranged side-by-side and substantially coplanar to define a heat exchange surface having the following characteristics: - Planar configuration, and - The winding length parallel to the channel extension direction is predetermined by taking into account the total circumference of the two tanks 31 and 32. - The second dimension, namely height a, is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and is intended to be parallel to the axis of tanks 31 and 32 in the tank and exchanger assembly. c. An elongated contact element is arranged, its longitudinal extension 'a' being at least equal to the height of the exchanger 4, its direction parallel to the axis of the tanks 31 and 32, and preferably extending along a direction perpendicular to the channel of the exchanger 4. d. Bring the at least one exchanger 4 close to the group of storage tanks 31, 32, and bend and wrap it around at least a portion of each storage tank in a circumferential direction, i.e., the side portion 41, 42 of the at least one exchanger 4, applying a bend in a first direction to the side portion 41, 42, wherein the winding direction of the exchanger is parallel to the extension direction of the channel. e. Bring the elongated abutment element close to the connection portion 44 of the at least one exchanger 4, and apply pressure by means of the elongated abutment element to apply a bend in the connection portion 44 of the exchanger 4 in a second direction, the connection portion 44 being intended to be located in the channel region 33 between the mutually facing surfaces 313, 323 of the tank. Preferably, steps d and e are performed simultaneously.

[0061] In any case, the bending applied to at least the central region of the exchanger 4 is the opposite of the bending intended to wrap around the tanks 31, 32, so that the exchanger 4 is essentially in the shape of a "3" after processing.

[0062] According to a possible variation of this process, the elongated abutment element used in the bending step e is used as the guide element 6, 6', 6''. This variation is advantageous because it is faster, as it combines the bending step with the positioning step. Alternatively, in a step after bending, the elongated abutment element is removed and the guide element 6, 6', 6'' is inserted. In this case, a high-rigidity material is preferably used for the elongated abutment element, while for the guide element 6, 6', 6'', thermal insulation performance can be prioritized when selecting the material.

[0063] According to possible embodiments, devices 1, 1' may include a fixing device 13 configured to constrain the exchanger 4 to storage tanks 31, 32; see also Figure 8 , 9 And 10.

[0064] Advantageously, the step prior to bending and winding step d is to secure the condenser to one or two tanks using the fixing device 13.

[0065] Alternatively, the fixing step can be performed before the final step of filling the space between the outer shell 7 and the storage tanks 31, 32 with insulation material 8 (e.g., by a foaming step).

[0066] The described method is particularly advantageous because it allows for direct bending on the assembly line of equipment 1, 1'. This is a method that eliminates the need to manufacture complex articulated fixing frames in industrial processes.

[0067] According to possible embodiments, in a dual-tank water heater, the channels of the heat exchanger body 4 belonging to the first refrigeration circuits 5a and 5b primarily exchange heat with the first tanks 31 and 32; that is, at least one of the two refrigeration circuits exchanges more heat with the tank than the other. The heat pump system, especially the dual-cross-loop heat exchanger, can be configured such that each tank 31 and 32 can withstand the same or different amounts of heat exchange. In any case, each tank 31 and 32 may withstand heat exchange with each of the two refrigeration circuits 5a and 5b in different proportions. The variation in the heat exchange rate of refrigeration circuits 5a and 5b between the two tanks 31 and 32 can be achieved, for example, by making the heat exchange area between refrigeration circuits 5a and 5b and the first tanks 31 and 32 different from the heat exchange area between them and the second tanks 32 and 31; or by making the starting portion of the circuit contact the first tanks 31 and 32 instead of the second tanks 32 and 31, where the starting portion of the circuit refers to the portion where the fluid flowing therein has the largest absolute temperature difference compared to the internal temperature of the tank.

[0068] For example, two storage tanks can be connected in series; the first storage tank 31 can be an inlet tank connected to a cold water pipe, while the second storage tank 32 can be an outlet tank connected to a hot water outlet pipe or faucet. The inlet tank 31 and outlet tank 32 are connected in series, allowing water from the cold water pipe to flow from the inlet tank 31 to the outlet tank 32. The first refrigeration circuit 5a can be configured to exchange less than 50% of its heat with the first storage tank 31 on average, with the remainder exchanged with the second storage tank 32. For example, the first circuit can be configured to exchange 30% or 20% of its heat with the first storage tank, with the remainder exchanged with the second (outlet) storage tank. Those skilled in the art will understand that heat exchange depends on the relative temperature difference between the refrigeration circuits 5a, 5b and the water storage tanks 3, 31, 32; therefore, the statement "configured to exchange less than 50% of its heat with the first storage tank 31 on average, with the remainder exchanged with the second storage tank 32" means that the relative heat exchange percentage refers to the condition where storage tanks 31 and 32 have substantially the same temperature.

[0069] It is advantageous to provide one tank at a set temperature within a given heating time, rather than providing two tanks at the same set temperature over a much longer heating period. This means that users have to wait less time to shower; in any case, a second user would essentially have to wait for both tanks to fully heat up before there is enough water for a second shower.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the first refrigeration circuit 5a is configured to exchange more than 50% of its heat with the outlet tank 32 on average, with the remainder exchanging heat with the inlet tank 31. This allows more than half of the power of the first heat pump to be concentrated on the outlet tank, thereby reducing the time required for the outlet tank to reach the set temperature. In this case, the second refrigeration circuit 5b can be configured to provide opposite proportions of heat exchange to the two tanks, for example, more than 50% of the heat is provided to the inlet tank.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for heating water using a heat pump system 2, the heat pump system comprising dual cross-loops 5a and 5b and two storage tanks 31 and 32, the method comprising the steps of: starting a first heat pump, corresponding to the refrigeration loop 5a, configured to exchange more than 50% of its heat with the outlet storage tank 32 until the outlet storage tank reaches a set temperature; then turning off the first heat pump and starting a second heat pump, corresponding to the refrigeration loop 5b, configured to exchange more than 50% of its heat with the inlet storage tank 31 until the inlet storage tank 31 reaches a set temperature.

[0072] This system offers the following advantages: if both heat pumps are activated, each tank can receive complete heat exchange from both heating circuits 5a and 5b; if only one heat pump is activated, the preferred tank can be heated first. Based on the dual-cross cooling circuit configuration, the heating rate of the outlet tank can be increased relative to the heating rate of the inlet tank. It should be noted that once the outlet tank 32 approaches the set temperature and until the inlet tank 31 falls below the set temperature, the amount of heat exchange with the inlet tank 31 will naturally increase until the inlet tank 31 reaches the set temperature. Therefore, both cooling circuits 5a and 5b can be configured to exchange more than 50% of their heat with the outlet tank 32 when the tanks are at the same temperature.

[0073] Alternatively, one possible embodiment of this disclosure is a heat pump water storage heating system comprising two heat pumps and two storage tanks connected in series. The first storage tank is configured as a cold water inlet tank, and the second storage tank is configured as a hot water outlet tank. Each heat pump includes a refrigeration circuit configured to exchange heat with the storage tanks, and at least one refrigeration circuit is configured to exchange heat with both storage tanks. This pair of refrigeration circuits is configured to heat the outlet tank at a faster rate than the heating of the inlet tank, at least until the outlet tank reaches a set temperature. In the case of a water heater, the two heat exchange circuits are two condensation circuits.

[0074] For the version with two tanks in series, the two refrigeration circuits can (but are not required to) have at least a portion of the channels in each flow path staggered with the channels in the other flow path; that is, the two refrigeration circuits do not necessarily have to be of the double-crossed circuit type. The advantage of this embodiment is its simple structure, even when the refrigeration circuits are not of the double-crossed circuit type, and its ability to provide more heat to the outlet tank, making hot water for showering available in a shorter time than it would take to heat the entire volume of water (both tanks).

Claims

1. Equipment (1, 1') for heating sanitary water or for heating and / or cooling technical fluids intended to cool and / or heat indoor spaces, comprising: - Two generally cylindrical storage tanks (31, 32) are placed side by side with parallel axes to define a channel region (33) between their mutually facing surfaces (313, 323). The storage tanks (31, 32) are fluidly connected to each other and preferably rigidly constrained to each other. - At least one heat exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), preferably of the microchannel type, comprising channels configured to allow refrigerant fluid flow, the channels being arranged side-by-side and substantially coplanar to define a heat exchange surface having a winding length defined along a winding direction perpendicular to the tank axis, and a height a defined between the upper and lower ends of at least one exchanger, the height a being substantially perpendicular to the winding length. Each channel preferably includes multiple microchannels, and The at least one exchanger includes two sides (41, 42) respectively wrapped around at least a portion of the curved outer surface of each tank (31, 32), and a connecting portion (44) defined between the two sides (41, 42) and adapted in the channel region (33) to form a loop segment in cross-section that is curved in the opposite direction to the sides (41, 42) wrapped around the portion of the outer surface of the tank (31, 32).

2. The device (1') according to claim 1 or 2 further includes guide elements (6, 6', 6''), the longitudinal extension a of the guide elements being at least equal to the height a of the exchangers (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), disposed at the connection portion (44) of the exchangers (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) and located on the side of the exchangers facing away from the storage tanks (31, 32).

3. The device (1') according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a housing (7) surrounding the device and a layer of insulating material (8) disposed between the at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) and the housing (7), wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the guide element (6, 6', 6'') is embedded in the insulating material (8).

4. The device (1') according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, The guide elements (6, 6', 6'') comprise plastic materials, preferably of an expanded type, selected from: polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, such as expanded polystyrene (EP), sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polypropylene (EPP), and expanded polyurethane (EPU).

5. The device (1') according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a fixing device (11, 12) for securing the guide element (6, 6', 6'') to the at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c).

6. The apparatus (1, 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) is coated with a material that increases thermal conductivity on its connection portion (44) and its surface facing the tank (31, 32).

7. The device (1, 1') according to the preceding claim, wherein The material used to increase thermal conductivity is thermal grease, which is composed of a polymer matrix, particularly silicone or butyl rubber.

8. The device (1') according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The guide elements (6, 6'') have a depth measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane comprising the axes of the two cylindrical tanks, which is substantially less than the distance between the inner surfaces of the outer shell (7).

9. The device (1') according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The guide elements (6, 6'') have a depth measured along a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane comprising the axes of the two cylindrical tanks, which is substantially less than the distance between the inner surface of the outer shell (7) and the connecting portion (44), and a gasket element (621) is disposed between the guide elements (6, 6'') and the outer shell (7).

10. A method for manufacturing an apparatus (1, 1') for heating or cooling and storing a liquid, comprising the steps thereof, said steps not necessarily performed in a given order: a. Arrange a group of storage tanks, comprising two substantially cylindrical tanks (31, 32), placed side by side, with parallel axes and fluidly connected, and preferably constrained to each other. b. Arrange at least one microchannel-type exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), comprising channels configured to allow refrigerant fluid flow, the channels being arranged side-by-side and substantially coplanar to define at least one heat exchange surface having a planar configuration and a predetermined winding length taking into account the total circumferential extension of the two tanks (31, 32), and a height a defined between the upper and lower ends of the at least one exchanger, the height a being substantially perpendicular to the winding length and parallel to the axis of the tanks (31, 32) in the set of tanks and exchangers. The at least one of the exchangers includes two sides (41, 42) along its winding length and a connecting portion (44) defined between the two sides (41, 42). c. Arrange elongated contact elements, the longitudinal extension 'a' of which is at least equal to the height 'a' of the exchangers (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), and the longitudinal direction of which is parallel to the axis of the storage tanks (31, 32). d. Bring the at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) close to the group of storage tanks (31, 32), and wrap the sides (41, 42) of the at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) around at least a portion of each storage tank in the circumferential direction, applying a bend in a first direction to the sides (41, 42). e. Bring the elongated abutment element close to the connection portion (44) of the at least one exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), and apply pressure by means of the elongated abutment element to apply full pressure in a second direction to the connection portion (44) of the exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), the connection portion (44) being intended to be located in a channel region (33) between the mutually facing surfaces (313, 323) of the tank; in, The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other, and the at least one switch (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) are substantially in the shape of a "3".

11. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, Steps d and e are performed simultaneously, and the elongated abutment element is used to apply a bend to the connecting portion (44), which is the opposite of a bend intended to wrap at least a portion of each tank (31, 32) in the circumferential direction, so that the exchangers (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) are substantially in the shape of a "3".

12. The method for manufacturing the device (1') according to any one of claims 2 to 9, as described in claim 10 or 11, further comprising, after the winding step d and the bending step e: a. Retain the elongated abutment element within the bend already applied to the exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c). b. Provide a housing (7) surrounding the storage tanks (31, 32), the heat exchangers (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c), and the elongated abutment element. c. Fill the space between the storage tank (31, 32), the exchanger (4, 4a, 4b, 4b', 4c) and the elongated abutment element with the insulating material (8), such that the elongated abutment element acts as a guide element (6, 6', 6''), and at least part of its outer surface is embedded in the insulating material (8).

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