SYSTEM FOR THERMAL CONTROL OF AIR AND DISHWASHING HOT WATER PRODUCTION IN ONE ROOM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to thermal management systems for a room such as an apartment or a detached house. More specifically, the invention relates to the cooling or heating of the air in the room and the heating of domestic hot water used in the same room.

[0002] Typically, to provide domestic hot water to a space, such as a house, commercial premises, or hotel room, a water heater is used, which can include a heat pump water heater. A heat pump water heater consists of a storage tank and a thermodynamic module designed to heat the water in the tank. The thermodynamic module can be positioned above the storage tank; this is called a monobloc heat pump water heater. Alternatively, the thermodynamic module can be located outside the building; this is called a split-system heat pump water heater.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to heat the said premises in winter and to cool them in summer, a heating and cooling module independent of the domestic hot water production is used.

[0004] Furthermore, the air-to-air heating and cooling unit comprises a heat pump with a compressor located outside the building and an indoor unit. The heat pump is capable of transferring heat from the outside to the inside of the building to heat the air. Alternatively, the heat pump is also capable of transferring cooling from the outside to the inside of the building to cool the air.

[0005] The storage tank, as well as the indoor unit of the heating and cooling module, are located inside the room.

[0006] Equipped in this way, the room includes the storage tank and the indoor unit of the heating and cooling module.

[0007] The thermodynamic water heater also includes a heat pump, whether or not associated with the storage tank.

[0008] US 2015 / 040841 A1 discloses a system and method for improving a water heating cycle in a multipurpose HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system.

[0009] US 2016 / 109162 A1 discloses a refrigeration cycle device using a flammable refrigerant.

[0010] Generally, the thermodynamic water heater and the heating and cooling module operate independently of each other. The installation of the thermodynamic water heater and the heating and cooling module is therefore long and tedious for the operator.

[0011] One objective of the invention is to provide an easy-to-install and economical air thermal management and domestic hot water production system.

[0012] To achieve this, the invention provides a thermal air management and domestic hot water production system comprising the characteristics of claim 1.

[0013] Thus, a single compressor, carried by the outdoor unit, is simultaneously / alternatively part of the thermodynamic circuits of the water heater and the heating and cooling module.

[0014] In addition, since the compressor is located in the outdoor unit, the noise generated by the indoor unit is reduced.

[0015] Furthermore, because the outdoor and indoor units are connected via two single fluid connections, the system is easy to install. These two single fluid connections can be in the form of two pipes. In addition, since the water heater integrates the distribution unit, the system's overall size is reduced. Installation within the room is also simpler because the fluid connections between the water heater and the distribution unit can be made at the factory.

[0016] Furthermore, the control system is located in the indoor unit. Therefore, it is the indoor unit, which can, for example, house temperature sensors that control the outdoor unit. This makes the system more reliable.

[0017] Because the distribution unit includes a storage volume for a fluid circulating between the outdoor unit, the water heater and the heating and cooling module, the system is more reliable.

[0018] Furthermore, since the outdoor unit includes the fan, expansion valve, heat exchanger and a four-way valve, the indoor unit, free of these components, is therefore less noisy.

[0019] Furthermore, in preferred embodiments of the invention, one and / or the other of the following provisions may optionally be used: The water heater incorporates the control device; the system includes two fluid connections between the distribution unit and the heating and cooling module; the system is therefore simpler to install; each fluid connection between the distribution unit (38) and the heating and cooling module (36) is equipped with at least one three-way valve in fluid communication with the outdoor unit, the water heater, and the heating and cooling module; the system includes a condenser wrapped around the water heater; heat transfer between the condenser and the water heater is therefore efficient. The expansion valve, fan, and heat exchanger are shared by the water heater and the heating and cooling module;

[0020] The invention also provides a method of using a system as previously described, comprising a step during which priority is given to the heating of domestic hot water (29) over the thermal management of the room air, so that the heating and cooling module (36) is kept off during the heating of domestic hot water (29) until the temperature of the domestic hot water (29) is equal to a setpoint temperature.

[0021] In addition, the process includes a step of activating the heating and cooling module if a difference between a setpoint temperature and a measured temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0022] The invention also provides for an installation comprising a thermodynamic management system as previously described, operating according to a process as described above.

[0023] We will now describe, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the invention using the single figure schematically representing a system according to an embodiment of the invention. Facility

[0024] Figure 10 shows a thermal air management and domestic hot water production system for a room according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] System 10 allows for cooling or heating the air in the room and provides domestic hot water to that room. It should be noted that the room can be of any type.

[0026] The premises can include, in particular, an apartment, a detached house, a hotel room, or even commercial premises.

[0027] System 10 comprises an outdoor unit 12 and an indoor unit 14. The outdoor unit 12 is located outside the premises, and the indoor unit 14 is located inside the premises. For example, if the premises are an apartment, the indoor unit 14 could be located in a room of the apartment and the outdoor unit 12 on a balcony. In the figure, a dotted line 13 represents the boundary between the exterior and interior of the premises.

[0028] The outdoor unit 12 includes a compressor 16 which includes a fluid inlet 16A and a fluid outlet 16B. The outdoor unit 12 further includes an expansion valve 18, a four-way valve 20 and a fan 22 associated with a heat exchanger 24 which is in the form of a finned heat exchanger.

[0029] The indoor unit 14 includes a thermodynamic water heater 26. The thermodynamic water heater 26 includes a storage tank 28 for a mass of water 29 intended to supply hot water to the room. The storage tank 28 includes a cold water inlet 30 and a hot water outlet 32 ​​for the room.

[0030] In addition, the indoor unit 14 includes a condenser 34 which is in the form of an exchanger surrounding the storage tank 28 around the mass of water 29.

[0031] As can be seen in the figure, the indoor unit 14 also includes a heating and cooling module 36 for the air circulating in the room.

[0032] Preferably, the heating and cooling module 36 is reversible so that it can heat or cool the air in the room.

[0033] The indoor unit 14 also includes a distribution unit 38 integrated into the thermodynamic water heater 26 and configured to distribute a fluid between the water heater 26 and the heating and cooling module 36. As shown in the figure, the distribution unit 38 and the thermodynamic water heater 26 are a single unit, as schematically represented by frame 100. Thus, the distribution unit 38 is located on the storage tank 28 of the water heater 26. In addition, the distribution unit 38 includes a fluid storage volume 40 and two three-way valves 41A, 41B.

[0034] We will now describe the fluidic connections between the elements described above. A fluid that flows between and within these elements is called a working fluid.

[0035] In the distribution unit 38, the fluid storage volume 40 is in fluidic connection with the three-way valve 41B by means of a tube 43.

[0036] In the outdoor unit 12, the heat exchanger 24 is in fluidic connection with the four-way valve 20 via a tube 42. The fluid inlet 16A of the compressor 16 is in fluidic connection with the four-way valve 20 by means of a tube 44 and the fluid outlet 16B of the compressor 16 is in fluidic connection with the four-way valve 20 via a tube 46. In addition, the expansion valve 18 is in fluidic connection with the heat exchanger 24 via a tube 48.

[0037] In the indoor unit 14, the distribution element 38 is in fluidic connection with the condenser 34 by means of two tubes 50, 52 so as to form a loop between the condenser 34 and the distribution element 38.

[0038] More specifically, tube 50 is in fluid connection with the three-way valve 41A and tube 52 is in fluid connection with the three-way valve 41B. Similarly, the distribution unit 38 is in fluid connection with the heating and cooling module 36 by means of two tubes 54, 56 so as to form a loop between the heating and cooling module 36 and the distribution unit 38. In addition, tube 54 is in fluid connection with the three-way valve 41B and tube 56 is in fluid connection with the three-way valve 41A.

[0039] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 12 is in fluidic connection via two tubes 58, 60 with the indoor unit 14. More specifically, tube 58 establishes a fluidic connection between the expansion valve 18 and the fluid storage volume 40 of the distribution unit 38. Tube 60 establishes a fluidic connection between the four-way valve 20 and the three-way valve 41A of the distribution unit 38.

[0040] Thus, it should be noted that system 10 includes two unique fluidic connections for fluidic communication between the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14.

[0041] Here, these two unique fluidic connections are in the form of two tubes 58, 60. According to a variant of the present embodiment, at least one of the two unique fluidic connections can, for example, be in the form of a plurality of conduits arranged one after the other and joined by means of fittings.

[0042] Similarly, it should be noted that the system 10 includes two unique fluidic connections between the distribution unit 38 and the heating and cooling module 36.

[0043] These two fluidic connections are again in the form of two tubes 54, 56.

[0044] But again, it is possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to arrange a plurality of conduits one after the other to form the two fluidic connections.

[0045] In addition, system 10 includes two unique fluid connections between the distribution unit 38 and the thermodynamic water heater 26, which are in the form of two tubes 50, 52. System 10 is therefore simple to install because it includes few fluid connections between the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14. System 10 thus includes six unique fluid connections.

[0046] Furthermore, the distribution unit 38 and the heat pump water heater 26 are factory-assembled prior to installation in the room so that the water heater 26 incorporates the distribution unit 38. Consequently, the pipes 50 and 52 that connect the three-way valves 41A and 41B and the condenser 34 are factory-installed. An operator installing the system 10 in the room therefore only needs to install the pipes 58 and 60 that connect the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 14, and the pipes 54 and 56 that connect the distribution unit 38, now supported by the heat pump water heater 26, and the heating and cooling module 36. The system 10 is thus simple to install, requiring the operator to install only four fluid connections.

[0047] We will now describe the working fluid circuit in system 10 in the configuration of domestic hot water heating, room heating and room cooling. Domestic hot water heating

[0048] In domestic hot water heating configuration, the working fluid travels through a loop which includes the compressor 16, the distribution unit 38, the condenser 34, the expansion valve 18 and the heat exchanger 24.

[0049] Thus, the working fluid is compressed in the compressor 16, reaches the four-way valve 20 by circulating in the pipe 46, then circulates in the pipe 60 to reach the three-way valve 41A of the distribution unit 38.

[0050] Then, the working fluid flows through pipe 50 to reach condenser 34 where it undergoes condensation.

[0051] In the condenser, the working fluid gives up heat to the mass of water 29 contained in the storage tank 28 in order to heat it.

[0052] Next, the working fluid flows through pipe 52 to the three-way valve 41B and then to the expansion valve 18, where the working fluid undergoes expansion, flowing through pipes 43 and 58.

[0053] The working fluid reaches the heat exchanger 24 associated with the fan 22 where it undergoes evaporation, circulating in the pipe 48.

[0054] Then, the working fluid flows through pipe 42 to reach the four-way valve 20 from where it is directed to the fluid inlet 16A of the compressor 16. Air heating

[0055] In the configuration of heating the air circulating in the room, the working fluid travels through a loop which includes the compressor 16, the distribution unit 38, the heating and cooling module 36, the expansion valve 18 and the heat exchanger 24.

[0056] In a manner relatively similar to what is described above, the working fluid is compressed in the compressor 16, reaches the four-way valve 20 by flowing through the pipe 46, then flows through the pipe 60 to reach the three-way valve 41A of the distribution unit 38.

[0057] Then, the working fluid flows through pipe 56 to reach the heating and cooling module 36 where the working fluid undergoes condensation.

[0058] On this occasion, the working fluid releases calories to the ambient air of the room in order to heat it.

[0059] Next, the working fluid flows through pipe 54 to the three-way valve 41B and then to the expansion valve 18, where the working fluid undergoes expansion, flowing through pipes 43 and 58.

[0060] The working fluid reaches the heat exchanger 24 associated with the fan 22 where it undergoes evaporation, circulating in the pipe 48.

[0061] Then, the working fluid flows through pipe 42 to reach the four-way valve 20 from where it is directed to the fluid inlet 16A of the compressor 16.

[0062] Thus, in both configurations described above, the heat exchanger 24 fulfills the function of an evaporator. Air cooling

[0063] In the configuration of cooling the air circulating in the room, the working fluid travels through a loop which includes the compressor 16, the heat exchanger 24, the expansion valve 18, the distribution unit 38 and the heating and cooling module 36.

[0064] The working fluid is compressed in the compressor 16. It then flows through pipe 46 to the four-way valve 20, from where it is directed, via pipe 42, to the heat exchanger 24 where it undergoes condensation. During this process, it releases heat to the ambient air outside the room. Next, the working fluid flows through pipe 48 to the expansion valve 18. The working fluid is expanded in the expansion valve 18, then flows through pipe 58 to the three-way valve 41B of the distribution unit 38, and finally through pipe 54 to the heating and cooling module 36 where it undergoes evaporation. During this process, the working fluid absorbs heat from the ambient air of the room, thus cooling it. Next, the working fluid flows through pipe 56 to the three-way valve 41A from where it flows to the four-way valve 20, through pipe 44.Finally, the working fluid reaches the fluid inlet 16A of compressor 16.

[0065] Thus, in the configuration described above, the heat exchanger 24 fulfills the function of a condenser.

[0066] Furthermore, as can be seen, it is the distribution unit 38, by means of the three-way valves 41A, 41B, which distributes the working fluid between the heating and cooling module 36 and the thermodynamic water heater 26 according to the desired configuration of the system 10. In the outdoor unit 12, it is the four-way valve 20 which allows the fluid to be distributed between the compressor 16, the heat exchanger 24 and the indoor unit 12.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be noted that the fluid storage volume 40 increases the safety of system 10. It allows for the reception and storage of a portion of the working fluid when needed.

[0068] It should also be noted that the indoor unit 14 includes a control device which is configured so that the indoor unit 14 controls the outdoor unit 12.

[0069] Thus, it is the indoor unit 14 which controls the outdoor unit 12 according to the needs of the room.

[0070] In addition, the indoor unit 14 includes a first thermometer to determine the temperature of the indoor air of the room, a second thermometer to determine the temperature of the mass of water 29 contained in the storage tank 28. The control device is connected to the first and second thermometers. Method of use

[0071] We will now describe a method for using system 10.

[0072] According to this process, the heating function of the mass of water 29 contained in the storage tank 28 of the water heater 26 takes priority over the heating or cooling function of the air circulating in the room.

[0073] The process of using system 10 includes a start-up step by switching on the water heater 26.

[0074] Thus, system 10 is in the water mass heating configuration 29 as previously described.

[0075] During this step, the heating and cooling module 36 is kept off.

[0076] During this step, the control device determines the temperature of the water mass 29, measured by the second thermometer, and compares it to a first setpoint temperature.

[0077] As long as the measured temperature is below the first setpoint temperature, the control device commands system 10 to continue heating the mass of water 29.

[0078] If the measured temperature is equal to the setpoint temperature, the control device commands the system 10 to stop heating the water mass 29. In this case, the process then includes a step of activating the heating and cooling module 36.

[0079] The control device compares the room temperature, measured by the first thermometer, to a second setpoint temperature.

[0080] If the measured temperature exceeds the setpoint temperature by a predetermined threshold, the control device commands system 10 to cool the room's ambient air. If the setpoint temperature exceeds the measured temperature by a predetermined threshold, the control device commands system 10 to heat the room's ambient air. Of course, the first and second predetermined thresholds can be equal. Both thresholds can also be zero.

[0081] In addition, the system 10 can also include a control interface which is in communication with the control device to allow a user to define the first and second setpoint temperatures or to reverse the priority between the operation of the thermodynamic water heater 26 and the heating and cooling module 36.

[0082] This control interface can be of any type and may include a remote control communicating with the control device. The control device can be integrated into the thermodynamic water heater 26.

[0083] Of course, many variations can be made to the invention without going outside its scope as defined in the claims.

[0084] The condenser 34 can be of any type and in particular can be arranged around the storage tank 28.

[0085] The system 10 can simultaneously control the heating of the mass of water 29 contained in the storage tank 28 and the heating of the room air by the heating and cooling module 36.

[0086] Particularly in summer, system 10 can use the calories from the ambient air recovered by the working fluid during the cooling of the ambient air in the room to heat the mass of water 29.

Claims

1. Thermal air management (10) and domestic hot water production (29) system for a room, the system comprising an outdoor unit (12) outside of the room that comprises a compressor (16) configured to compress a working fluid, and an indoor unit (14) designed to be disposed in the room, the indoor unit (14) of the room comprising: - a water heater (26) for supplying the room with domestic hot water (29), - a module for heating and cooling (36) air intended to circulate in the room, - a distribution member (38) for distributing the working fluid between the water heater (26) and the heating and cooling module (36), the water heater (26) integrating the distribution member (38), - two single fluid connections (58, 60) for fluidic communication, for the working fluid, between said indoor unit (14) of the room and said outdoor unit (12) of the room, and - a device for controlling the system (10) configured such that the indoor unit (14) controls the outdoor unit (12), the outdoor unit (12) comprising the compressor (16), a fan (22), an expansion valve (18), a heat exchanger (24), and a 4-way valve (20), the system being characterised in that the distribution member (38) comprises a storage volume (40) for the working fluid circulating between the outdoor unit (12), the water heater (26), and the heating and cooling module (36).

2. System (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the water heater (26) integrates the control device.

3. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two fluid connections (54, 56) between the distribution member (38) and the heating and cooling module (36).

4. System (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein each fluid connection (54, 56) between the distribution member (38) and the heating and cooling module (36) is equipped with at least one three-way valve (41A, 41B) in fluidic communication with the outdoor unit (12), the water heater (26), and the heating and cooling module (36).

5. System (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a condenser (34) wrapped around the water heater (26).

6. Method for using a system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step during which priority is given to heating the domestic hot water (29) over the thermal management of the air of the room, such that the heating and cooling module (36) is maintained stopped during the heating of the domestic hot water (29) until the temperature of the domestic hot water (29) is equal to a setpoint temperature.

7. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of activating the heating and cooling module (36) if a difference between a setpoint temperature and a measured temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold.