THERMAL SYSTEM WITH AT LEAST ONE IMPROVED ABSORPTION MACHINE CIRCUIT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal system for producing hot fluids and / or cold fluids, in particular the production of domestic hot water or hot water for heating a home and cold water for cooling a home. Document US 2015 / 0013373 A shows a thermal system according to the prior art.

[0002] The development of thermal machines using thermodynamic cycles is increasingly important, since they make it possible to reduce the need for carbon energy to produce heat and / or cold.

[0003] Absorption machines can produce both cold and heat simultaneously.

[0004] Such machines use a refrigerant and an absorbent, and its phase changes which are obtained by a heat input, for example provided by a district heating network, a solar source or fatal energy.

[0005] An absorption machine mainly consists of a generator or desorber, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, an absorber and a pump. A refrigerant / absorbent mixture is heated in the desorber by the heat input, the refrigerant vaporizes and separates from the absorbent, and is then sent to a classic condenser / expansion valve / evaporator cycle. The refrigerant then returns to the absorber where it mixes with the absorbent and is then returned to the desorber by the pump.

[0006] Using an absorption machine requires a hot effluent source and a cold source.

[0007] Heat is recovered at the absorber and condenser and cold is recovered at the evaporator.

[0008] A heat pump, for example, captures external heat, for example from the ground or water, and returns increased heat to the interior. It uses an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve. A refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator thanks to the heat provided by the cold source. The vapor thus formed is compressed by the compressor, which increases the temperature of the vapor. In the condenser, the vapor is in contact with a fluid to be heated, called a hot source, to which it gives up some of its heat and condenses. Then in the expansion valve, the pressure of the refrigerant is lowered as well as its temperature. It is returned to the evaporator and comes into contact with the cold source which is at a temperature higher than the gas leaving the expansion valve.

[0009] It was considered to couple an absorption machine and a heat pump in order to either improve the cold production of the heat pump, by lowering the condensation temperature, or to ensure the continuity of the cold production of the absorption machine when the energy supply from the solar source is insufficient.

[0010] We are seeking to optimize the coupling of an absorption machine and a heat pump to, for example, produce both cold and heat with improved efficiency, for example to produce domestic hot water and heating.

[0011] More generally, we seek to create a thermal system in which an absorption machine is coupled to at least one other circuit to improve its operation. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a thermal system comprising an absorption machine offering improved energy efficiency.

[0013] The aim stated above is achieved for a thermal system according to claim 1, which comprises at least one absorption machine circuit and at least one other circuit configured to collect the heat at the condenser and the absorber of the absorption machine with a view to recovering the heat.

[0014] The other circuit of the thermal system is a heat pump circuit and the evaporation function of the heat pump is shared at least with both the condensation function and the absorption function of the absorption machine. Thus the absorber and the condenser serve as a cold source for the heat pump, which raises the temperature of the latter and can produce, for example, domestic hot water at 70°C from water between 35°C - 60°C.

[0015] The heat pump has at least two evaporators, one shared with the condenser and the other shared with the absorber.

[0016] In a highly advantageous example, the system comprises a heat exchanger with at least two streams forming one of the evaporators of the heat pump and the condenser of the absorption machine, and a heat exchanger with at least two streams forming one of the evaporators of the heat pump and the absorber of the absorption machine. The system then has fewer components and the system performance is improved.

[0017] In one embodiment, the evaporator function of the heat pump and the evaporator function of the absorption machine are shared. This makes it possible to operate the thermal system as a heat pump alone using the heat source connected to the evaporator of the absorption machine.

[0018] In one example, the first source is an aerothermal or geothermal source, the second source is an urban heat network, a solar heat source or a fatal energy and the first utilization circuit is heating and / or domestic hot water.

[0019] In another example, the first source may produce cold, the second source is an urban heat network, a solar heat source or a fatal energy and the first utilization circuit may be a heating and / or domestic hot water production circuit.

[0020] In another example, the first source is an aerothermal or geothermal source or one that produces cold, the second source is an urban heat network, a heat source of solar origin or a fatal energy, the first utilization circuit is a heating and / or domestic hot water production circuit and the second utilization circuit is a heating circuit.

[0021] The thermal system advantageously comprises a control unit configured to activate the different circuits simultaneously or separately according to programmed modes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the attached drawings in which: There figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a thermal system according to a first embodiment. The figure 2 is a schematic representation of a two-flow exchanger. The figure 3 is a schematic representation of a variant of the system of figure 1 . There figure 4 is a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to the first embodiment in which only the heat pump operates, and produces cold. The Figure 5 a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to the first embodiment in which only the heat pump operates, and produces cooling and heating and / or domestic hot water. The figure 6 is a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to the first embodiment in which only the heat pump operates, and produces heating and / or domestic hot water. The figure 7 is a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to the first embodiment in which only the absorption machine operates. The figure 8represents the thermal system of the figure 1 in another mode of operation. The Figure 9A is a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to a first embodiment, implementing a third circuit. The Figure 9B is a schematic representation of a three-flow exchanger, The figure 10 represents another example of an embodiment of a thermal system according to a first embodiment, implementing a third circuit, in which only the absorption machine operates. The figure 11 is a schematic representation of a variant of the system of Figure 9A . There figure 12 is a schematic representation of another variant of the system of the Figure 9A . There figure 13 is a schematic representation of the system of the figure 10 , the absorption machine operating alone, in another operating mode. The figure 14is a schematic representation of an example of a thermal system according to a second embodiment. The figure 15 is a schematic representation of another example of a thermal system according to the second embodiment. The figure 16 is a representation of the implementation of the different operating modes of the thermal system according to the invention depending on the seasons. The examples according to the figures 14 and 15 do not show all the features of claim 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In the following description, elements having the same functions will be designated by the same references.

[0024] As will be explained in detail below, the thermal system according to the invention can be advantageously produced to present several embodiments. figure 1represents the thermal system comprising the main components of the thermal system and the systems represented in the following figures include additional elements compared to the system of the figure 1 For the sake of simplicity, not all elements of a system, when not involved in the illustrated mode of operation, are necessarily shown.

[0025] In the following description, examples of application of the systems are the production of cold and the production of domestic hot water and / or heating. Heating is obtained, for example, by circulating hot water. It will be understood that another fluid may be used to transport the heat and that the heated or cooled fluids may have other uses.

[0026] On the figure 1 , we can see a schematic representation of an example of thermal system S1 according to a first embodiment.

[0027] The thermal system 51 comprises a first circuit C1 comprising an absorption machine and a second circuit C2 comprising a heat pump coupled to each other.

[0028] The absorption machine comprises an absorber 6, a condenser 8, an expander 10, an evaporator 12, a generator or desorber 13 and a pump 14. These elements are fluidically connected in series in this order.

[0029] The generator 13 is intended to be connected to a hot source SO2, for example a district heating network, a solar source or to a fatal energy source, for example to a cooling circuit of a factory. The hot source delivers for example a fluid between 80°C - 120°C. The quantity of heat exchanged at the source SO1 is designated Q1, The quantity of heat exchanged at the source SO2 is designated Q2.

[0030] The evaporator 12 is connected to a source 501, in this example it is an air conditioning circuit whose fluid is to be cooled which enters for example between [12°C; 30°C] and leaves between [7°C; 25°C].

[0031] The heat pump comprises components 16, 18 forming an evaporator, a condenser 20, a compressor 22 and an expansion valve 23 between the condenser and the components 16 and 18. In the example shown, the condenser 20 is connected in parallel to the component 16 and to the component 18.

[0032] The condenser 20 is intended to heat a fluid, for example domestic hot water, by heat exchange, to a temperature of 70°C for example. The quantity of heat exchanged at the condenser 20 is designated Q3.

[0033] For example, the refrigerant can be R134a and the absorbent lithium bromide / H2O or NH3 / H2O.

[0034] The components 16 and 18 of the heat pump are thermally coupled with the absorber 6 and the condenser 8 respectively of the absorption machine 2, so that the heat released by the absorber and the condenser is transmitted to the components 16 and 18 forming the evaporator.

[0035] Preferably, the component 16 and the absorber 6 are integrated so as to form a two-flow heat exchanger. For example, a tube forming the component 16 passes through an enclosure forming the absorber, as shown schematically in the figure 2 . This ensures that the heat transfer between the fluid in the absorption machine and the heat pump is carried out with high efficiency and reduced losses. In addition, the number of system elements is reduced.

[0036] Also preferably, component 18 and condenser 8 are integrated so as to form a two-flow heat exchanger. For example, a tube forming component 18 passes through an enclosure forming condenser 8, similarly to component 16 and absorber 6.

[0037] It will nevertheless be understood that a thermal system in which the component 16 and the absorber 6 and / or the component 18 and the condenser 8 is or are separate elements, in which the heat transfer is carried out by intermediate exchangers does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Circuits C1 and C2 are closed circuits. Circuit C2 of the heat pump and circuit C1 of the absorption machine are separate; there is no exchange of refrigerant between the two circuits, but heat exchanges between the condenser 8 of the absorption machine and component 16 of the heat pump, and between the absorber 6 of the absorption machine and component 18 of the heat pump.

[0039] The operation of the thermal system of the figure 1 will now be described. This mode is designated mode 1a.

[0040] The SO2 source delivers a heat flow Q2 to the generator, for example at a temperature of 120°C. Under the effect of this heat input, the refrigerant F1 evaporates and separates from the absorbent. The refrigerant passes into the condenser 8, condenses and produces heat, for example at approximately 40°C, which is transferred to the refrigerant F2 of the component 18 of the heat pump by heat exchange. The refrigerant F2 evaporates. The refrigerant F1 passes through the expansion valve and reaches the evaporator 12 where it evaporates. It produces cold. The refrigerant F1 is in heat exchange with a fluid to be cooled, for example a fluid in an air conditioning circuit. The evaporator 12 produces cold, for example the fluid entering at 12°C leaves at 7°C. Refrigerant F1 reaches adsorber 6 where it is absorbed on the absorbent and produces heat, for example at about 40°C, which is transferred to refrigerant F2 in component 16 of the heat pump. Refrigerant F2 in component 16 evaporates.The refrigerant F2 evaporated in the two components 16 and 18 is compressed by the compressor, its temperature increases, then it joins the condenser 20 and comes into contact with a hot source, which is a heat utilization circuit. The utilization circuit is for example a sanitary water circuit for example entering at 60°C. The refrigerant F2 sees its temperature drop and gives up part of its heat to the sanitary water, which leaves for example at 70°C. The refrigerant F2 condenses and then passes through the expansion valve, its pressure is at a lower temperature. The refrigerant F2 is returned to the components 16 and 18 for a new cycle. The refrigerant F1 returns to the generator 13 for a new cycle.

[0041] Absorber 6 and condenser 8 of the absorption machine form the cold source of the heat pump.

[0042] Thanks to the invention, the heat pump raises the temperature of the absorber 6 and the condenser 8 of the absorption machine to produce at its condenser 20 a fluid heated for example to 70°C.

[0043] The performance of the thermal system of the figure 1 can be calculated as follows: The overall performance coefficient is written: COP tot = Q 2 + Q 3 Q 1 + Wc + Wp ∼ Q 2 + Q 3 Q 1 + Wc en négligeant le travail de la pompe de solution With: Q1 = Energy at the generator. Q2 = Energy at the absorption machine evaporator. Q3 = Energy at the heat pump condenser. Wc = Compressor work. Wp = Pump work.

[0044] If the thermal performance coefficient of the absorption machine is taken as 0.7, then Q2 = 0.7 x Q1.

[0045] At the condenser and absorber of the absorption machine, the heat exchanged will be: Q1 + Q2 = 1,7 × Q1

[0046] For the heat pump, the cooling efficiency coefficient or EER PAC or Energy Efficiency Ratio of the heat pump is taken equal to 4, then: Wc = Q1 + Q2 EER PAC = 1,7 × Q1 4 = 0,425 × Q1

[0047] At the condenser, we obtain: Q3 = EER + 1 × Wc = 5 × 0,425 × Q1 = 2,125 × Q1

[0048] We thus obtain: COP tot = Q2 + Q3 Q1 + Wc = 0 ,7 × Q1 + 2,125 × Q1 Q1 + 0 ,425 × Q1 = 2

[0049] With : COP Froid = Q2 Q1 + Wc = 0,7 1.425 = 0.5 COP Chaud = Q3 Q1 + Wc = 2.125 1.425 = 1.5

[0050] Considering the energy consumption of a heat pump and a heat pump, the economic gain obtained thanks to the invention is estimated between 4.7% and 7.1% respectively for an urban heating and cooling network.

[0051] On the figure 3 , we can see a variant of realization S2 of the thermal system of the figure 1, in which the components 16 and 18 of the heat pump are connected in series and no longer in parallel with the compressor 22 and the condenser 20. This series connection simplifies the circulation of the refrigerant F2. The operation of the S2 system is similar to that of the S1 system.

[0052] The system according to the invention has the advantage of being able to have a large number of operating modes allowing it to be used in all seasons and to adapt to needs. It has great versatility. For this, it can be provided that the thermal system includes sets of valves (not shown) on the heat pump and absorption machine circuits to reconfigure the system. Preferably, these are solenoid valves that can be controlled by a computerized control unit UC, which can for example autonomously manage changes in operating mode according to a pre-established setting and / or the outside temperature and / or inside temperature conditions.

[0053] On the figure 4 , we can see an example of such a thermal system S3, in which the heat pump comprises, in addition to the components 16 and 18, an additional component 24 also having an evaporator function.

[0054] Component 24 is mounted on a branch of the heat pump circuit so that it can be connected in series with the compressor and condenser, and can isolate components 16 and 18. The heat pump circuit has valves to connect component 24, the compressor and the condenser in series and to short-circuit components 16 and 18. In this configuration, the absorption machine does not operate.

[0055] Component 24 is connected to source 501. It is, for example, juxtaposed with the evaporator of the absorption machine. Component 24 allows the heat pump to operate like a conventional heat pump to produce cold at source 501, component 24 operating as an evaporator and capturing heat from source 501. Source SO1 is, for example, an air conditioning circuit.

[0056] The absorption machine's evaporator 12 and component 24 do not operate simultaneously. There is no heat exchange between them.

[0057] The operation of the S3 system will not be described in detail since it is the classic operation of a heat pump that produces only cold. For example, at source SO1 the incoming fluid is at 12°C and the outgoing fluid is at 7°C, the condenser generates heat at 23°C, the incoming fluid is at 15°C and the outgoing fluid is at 18°C. This operating mode is designated mode 3. In this operating mode, the utilization circuit is in fact a heat source.

[0058] On the Figure 5, the S3 system operates as a heat pump alone, but it produces both cold at 7°C at component 24, and domestic hot water at the condenser, which is connected to a source S3 supplying a fluid at 60°C. Hot water at 70°C is produced. This operating mode is designated mode 5.

[0059] On the figure 6 , the system produces at the condenser for example domestic hot water and / or for heating from an aerothermal or geothermal source SO1. The component 24 of the heat pump is connected to a source 501, the incoming fluid of which is at 18°C ​​and the outgoing fluid is at 15°C. This operating mode is designated mode 6.

[0060] On the figure 7 , we can see the system 53 of the figure 4operating as an absorption machine alone. The heat pump does not operate. The absorption machine produces cold at source SO1 from the heat supplied to source SO2. This operating mode is designated mode 4.

[0061] Absorption-only machine operation is also applicable for S1 and S2 systems.

[0062] On the figure 8 , we can see the thermal system of the figure 1 in another operating mode. In this mode, the system is configured to produce a hot fluid alone, for example domestic hot water, at a temperature of around 70°C. The SO1 source is a geothermal source or an aerothermal source, for example at a temperature between 12°C and 18°C.

[0063] The operation of this system is similar to that of the system of the figure 1, but the fluid entering the evaporator enters at 18°C ​​and leaves at 15°C. This configuration is used when there is no need for air conditioning. This operating mode is designated mode 1b.

[0064] On the Figure 9A , we can see another example of an embodiment of a thermal system S4 according to the invention comprising, in addition to circuits C1 and C2, a third circuit C3 allowing additional heat recovery. Circuit C3 is separate from circuits C1 and C2. A fluid F3 circulates in circuit C3.

[0065] In this example, circuit C3 includes a component 26 in heat exchange with the condenser of the absorption machine and component 18, and a component 28 in heat exchange with the absorber of the absorption machine and component 16 of the heat pump.

[0066] Preferably, component 26, condenser 8 and component 18 are integrated and form a three-flow exchanger and / or component 28, absorber 6 and component 16 are integrated and form a three-flow exchanger.

[0067] The amount of heat collected by component 26 and by component 28 is designated Q5.

[0068] On the Figure 9B , we can see an example of the realization of a three-flow exchanger. Two tubes 32, 34 pass through a tank forming the condenser 8 or the absorber 6.

[0069] The arrows symbolize the flow of fluids F1, F2, F3 but the direction of flow is in no way limiting. Furthermore, it will be understood that preferably, the tubes 32 and 34 are such that they increase the exchange surface, for example they have a serpentine shape.

[0070] In addition, circuit C3 comprises a heat exchanger 30 ensuring the transfer of the heat collected by components 26 and 28 to a heating circuit for example. Circuit C3 also comprises a pump (not shown) ensuring the circulation of the fluid. The quantity of heat exchanged at the level of exchanger 30 is designated Q4.

[0071] In this example, components 26 and 28 are connected in parallel with exchanger 30.

[0072] The flow rate of circuit C3 can be advantageously regulated according to the temperatures of the exchangers at the level of the exchanger assemblies of the absorber and condenser of the absorption machine, so that the collection of heat by circuit C3 does not disturb or only slightly the operation of the heat pump. The operation of this system is similar to that of system S1. In this example the evaporator of the absorption machine is connected to an aerothermal or geothermal source SO1 and it produces domestic hot water and / or water for heating at 70°C. The operating mode of this system is designated mode 2.

[0073] On the figure 10, we can see a thermal system S5 configured to operate as an absorption machine only, the heat pump is stopped, or as a heat pump only, the absorption machine being stopped. When only the absorption machine is operating, it produces cold at the evaporator 12 and the circuit C3 takes the heat from the absorber 6 and the condenser 8 and exchanges heat with an external circuit at the exchanger 30, or is connected directly to a circuit using the extracted heat. In this example, the circuit C2 includes a component 24 capable of being connected to the source SO1 to operate as an evaporator.

[0074] The operating mode of this system is designated mode 7.

[0075] On the figure 11 , we can see a variant of the realization of the systems of the Figure 9A , in which the components 26 and 28 are connected in series with the exchanger 30 simplifying the circulation of the fluid.

[0076] On the figure 12 , we can see a variant of the system of the Figure 9A , in which the circuit C3 does not include an exchanger 30 and is connected directly to the heating circuit. The circulation of the fluid is simplified, the number of components is reduced and the performance is improved.

[0077] It will be understood that this direct connection also applies to the system of the figure 11 .

[0078] On the figure 13 , we can see represented the system of the figure 10 in absorption machine operating mode only. The system produces, for example, heat which is extracted by circuit C3 which directly forms a heating circuit.

[0079] On the figure 14we can see a thermal system S6 according to a second embodiment, in which the heat pump is coupled to the absorption machine via the circuit C3. The heat pump comprises a component 36 having an evaporator function coupled to a heat exchanger 38 of the circuit C3 connected in parallel to the exchanger 30. The heat pump raises the temperature of the heat collected by the circuit C3 by its components 26 and 28 on the circuit of the absorption machine.

[0080] The component 26 and the absorber 6 are advantageously integrated forming a two-flow exchanger. The component 28 and the condenser 8 are advantageously integrated forming a two-flow exchanger.

[0081] The source S01 is an aerothermal or geothermal source, for example at 15°C, the source SO2 is for example at 120°C, the heat pump produces for example domestic hot water at 70°C and the circuit C3 delivers heat at 40°C via the exchanger 30.

[0082] On the figure 15 , we can see a variant of the system of the figure 14 , in which the component 36 of the heat pump is coupled to the heat exchanger 30 which is in heat exchange with an external circuit. The circuit C3 is then simplified. In this example, the source SO1 is an aerothermal or geothermal source for example at 15°C, the source SO2 is for example at 120°C, the heat pump produces for example domestic hot water at 70°C and the circuit C3 delivers heat at 40°C via the exchanger 30

[0083] It will be understood that the configuration in which components 26 and 28 are connected in series applies to the different examples implementing these components.

[0084] On the figure 16, we can give examples of the periods of use of the different operating modes during the different seasons and according to needs. The off-season includes spring and autumn. DHW refers to domestic hot water. Some modes allow the production of cooling, heating and domestic hot water. It will be understood that the system operates in only one operating mode at a time.

[0085] Thanks to the invention, the thermal system allows use throughout the year and meets the needs for heating, domestic hot water and cooling.

[0086] As explained above, the transition from one configuration to another configuration is advantageously controlled by a control unit in which the dates and / or times of configuration change are pre-programmed, these dates and / or times depending in particular on the location of the system.

[0087] The thermal system offers a very efficient coupling, particularly between the absorption machine and the heat pump, while allowing them to operate separately and therefore offers great adaptability.

[0088] The thermal system according to the invention is particularly suitable for application to a dwelling, for example a detached house, a building or a group of dwellings.

Claims

1. A thermal system including a first absorption machine circuit and at least a second circuit, said first absorption machine circuit including an evaporator (12) connected to a first heat source (SO1), a generator (13) configured to be connected to a second heat source (SO2), a condenser (8), an absorber (6), an expansion valve and a pump, the second circuit including a first component (18, 28) for collecting at least part of the heat at the condenser (8) and a second component (16, 26) for collecting at least part of the heat at the absorber (6) and capable of transferring this heat to a first utilisation circuit (CU1), characterised in that the second circuit is a heat pump circuit comprising a condenser (20) intended to be connected to the first circuit (CU1) for utilising the heat produced by the heat pump, a pump, an expansion valve, and in that the first component (18) and the second component (16) form heat pump evaporators.

2. The thermal system according to claim 1, including a first exchanger with at least two flows comprising the absorber and the first component, and a second exchanger with at least two flows comprising the condenser and the second component.

3. The thermal system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat pump circuit includes a third component (24) forming an evaporator intended to be connected to the first heat source (SO1), when the absorption machine circuit is not operating and the first (18) and second (16) components are short-circuited and means for isolating the first (18) and second (16) components from the condenser (20) or the third component (24) from the condenser (20).

4. The thermal system according to one of claims 1 to 3, including a third circuit including a fourth component (28) for collecting at least part of the heat at the condenser (8) and a fifth component (26) for collecting at least part of the heat at the absorber (6) and capable of transferring this heat to a second utilisation circuit (CU2).

5. The thermal system according to the preceding claim, wherein the fourth (28) and the fifth (26) components are heat exchangers.

6. The thermal system according to the preceding claim as combined with claim 2, wherein the first exchanger is a three-flow exchanger comprising the condenser (8), the first component (18) and the fourth component (28), and the second exchanger is a three-flow exchanger comprising the absorber (6), the second component (16) and the fifth component (26).

7. The thermal system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the third circuit includes a heat exchanger (30) connected to the second utilisation circuit (CU2) or the third circuit directly forms the second utilisation circuit (CU2).

8. The thermal system according to one of the preceding claims as combined with claim 2, wherein the first source (SO1) is an aerothermal or geothermal source, the second source (SO2) is an urban heat network, a heat source of solar origin or a waste energy and the first utilisation circuit (CU1) is a heating and / or domestic hot water circuit.

9. The thermal system according to one of claims 1 to 7 as combined with claim 2, wherein the first source (SO1) produces cold, the second source (SO2) is an urban heat network, a heat source of solar origin or a waste energy and the first utilisation circuit (CU1) is a heating and / or domestic hot water production circuit.

10. The thermal system according to one of claims 1 to 7 as combined with claims 2 and 7, wherein the first source (SO1) is an aerothermal or geothermal source or which produces cold, the second source (SO2) is an urban heat network, a heat source of solar origin or a waste energy, the first utilisation circuit (CU1) is a heating and / or domestic hot water production circuit and the second utilisation circuit is a heating circuit.

11. The thermal system according to one of the preceding claims including a control unit (UC) configured to activate the different circuits simultaneously or separately according to programmed modes.