Adiabatic cooler or condenser comprising a heat exchanger assembly through which an air flow flows

Abstract

An adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) comprising at least one set of heat exchangers (20; 30) through which an airflow (A1, A2) passes, and comprising at least a first group including a first heat exchanger (21; 31) through which a fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate, and a first air humidification device (23; 33) located upstream of the first heat exchanger (21; 31). This set of heat exchangers includes at least a second group located upstream or downstream of the first group, comprising a second heat exchanger (22; 32) through which a fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate, and a second air humidification device (24; 34) located upstream of the second heat exchanger (22; 32).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cold generation, more particularly, to circuits for cooling a fluid, for example water, and to refrigeration circuits.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates in particular to coolers and air condensers.

[0003] A fluid cooling circuit may include one or more air / liquid exchangers.

[0004] A refrigeration circuit generally comprises successively a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator.

[0005] Cooling circuits and refrigeration circuits allow heat generated by a device, for example an air conditioning system, a cold room, or industrial processes, to be efficiently and economically evacuated to an external environment.

[0006] The present invention finds a preferred application for so-called "adiabatic" coolers and air condensers, with water dispersion or media.

[0007] The cooler differs from the air condenser only in that the heat removed is not used to condense a gas into liquid but simply to cool a fluid.

[0008] The following considerations apply to both air coolers and fluid coolers.

[0009] In an adiabatic aerocondenser 1 illustrated in the figure 1A , the condensation of the refrigerant is carried out by ventilation of an air flow A set in motion by one or more fans 2 on a heat exchange battery 3 containing the refrigerant and configured to change the refrigerant from a gaseous form FE to a liquid form Fs. The movement of the air flow A is represented by arrows. The air flow A only passes through one heat exchange battery.

[0010] The adiabatic air condenser 1 comprises an air humidification device 4 arranged upstream of the heat exchange battery 3 in the direction of circulation of the air flow A. As illustrated in the figure 1A , the air humidification device 4 comprises a medium 4a, a system 4b for watering the medium 4a with a fluid, for example water, arranged above said medium 4a and configured to humidify said medium 4a and a system 4c for recovering or collecting humidification fluid after passing through the medium 4a.

[0011] The condensing coil comprises either a plurality of tubes and fins or micro-channels. A refrigerant circulates through the tubes of the condensing coil. The tubes of the latter are connected to a refrigerant inlet manifold and a refrigerant outlet manifold. In the case of a tube and fin heat exchanger, the tubes of the condensing coil are connected to each other, depending on the number of passes, by 180° elbows.

[0012] The example illustrated on the figure 1B differs from the embodiment of the figure 1A solely by the fact that the air humidification device comprises a system 5 for spraying a fluid by spray nozzles. The spray system 5 is mounted upstream of the heat exchange battery 3 in the direction of circulation of the air flow A.

[0013] However, in such adiabatic coolers / condensers, the heat exchange between the air and the coil is not optimal.

[0014] In the context of reducing the energy consumed to cool or condense a fluid, there is a need to improve the heat exchange of adiabatic coolers / condensers.

[0015] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above drawbacks and to improve so-called "adiabatic" water dispersion or media coolers / condensers in order to increase the heat exchange between the air and the heat exchange battery.

[0016] The subject of the invention is an adiabatic cooler or condenser comprising at least one set of heat exchangers crossed by an air flow and comprising at least a first group comprising a first heat exchanger or heat exchanger in which a fluid is intended to circulate, for example a fluid to be cooled or condensed, such as for example a refrigerant, water, glycol, a mixture of water and glycol or any other fluid suitable for being condensed or cooled.

[0017] The adiabatic cooler or condenser further comprises a first air humidification device arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger.

[0018] Said heat exchanger assembly comprises at least a second group arranged upstream or downstream of the first group comprising a second heat exchanger or heat exchanger in which a fluid is intended to circulate, for example a fluid to be cooled or condensed, and a second air humidification device arranged upstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0019] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are considered in the direction of circulation of the air flow in the adiabatic cooler or condenser.

[0020] Alternatively, the two heat exchangers can be combined into a single heat exchanger by manufacturing while leaving a space inside the exchanger, i.e. between two exchanger parts, to integrate a humidification device. The connection of the two heat exchanger parts can then be achieved by manufacturing tube by tube, i.e. circuit by circuit, by 180° elbows.

[0021] For example, in a first case where the second group is arranged downstream of the first group, the adiabatic cooler or condenser comprises, in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion for example by fans mounted on the adiabatic cooler or condenser, the first external air humidification device, the first external heat exchanger, directly downstream of the first external air humidification device, the second internal air humidification device directly downstream of the first heat exchanger and the second internal heat exchanger directly downstream of the second internal air humidification device.

[0022] In a second case where the second group is arranged upstream of the first group, the adiabatic cooler or condenser comprises, in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion for example by fans mounted on the adiabatic cooler or condenser, the second external air humidification device, the second external heat exchanger, directly downstream of the second external air humidification device, the first internal air humidification device directly downstream of the second heat exchanger and the first internal heat exchanger directly downstream of the first internal air humidification device.

[0023] Thus, the addition of a group comprising a heat exchanger and a humidification device makes it possible to increase the heat exchange between the air and the heat exchanger by increasing humidification of the air and thus to reduce the temperature of the cooled or condensed fluid.

[0024] The groups of the heat exchanger assembly are advantageously arranged in series in the air flow.

[0025] For example, the groups of the heat exchanger assembly are in contact. In the case where the heat exchanger assembly comprises a number of groups greater than two, for example equal to three, the adjacent groups are in contact.

[0026] The groups are mounted in parallel in the direction of air circulation.

[0027] For example, at least one of the heat exchangers comprises an inlet manifold for the fluid to be condensed or cooled and a first row of fluid outlet tubes and at least the other of the heat exchangers comprises a first row of fluid inlet tubes and an outlet manifold for the fluid to be condensed or cooled, the first row of fluid outlet tubes of one of the heat exchangers being connected to the first row of fluid inlet tubes of the other of the heat exchangers.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first row of fluid outlet tubes of one of the heat exchangers is connected directly to the first row of fluid inlet tubes of the other of the heat exchangers.

[0029] According to another embodiment, each heat exchanger comprises a fluid inlet manifold and a fluid outlet manifold, the outlet manifold of one of the heat exchangers being connected by a conduit to the inlet manifold of the other of the heat exchangers. In this embodiment, the first row of fluid outlet tubes of one of the heat exchangers is indirectly connected to the first row of fluid inlet tubes of the other of the heat exchangers. Indeed, the first row of fluid outlet tubes of one of the heat exchangers is connected to a fluid outlet manifold and the first row of fluid inlet tubes of the other of the heat exchangers is connected to a fluid inlet manifold. The outlet manifold of one of the heat exchangers is then connected by a conduit to the inlet manifold of the other of the heat exchangers.

[0030] Alternatively, the fluid inlet and outlet manifolds of one of the heat exchangers are not connected to the fluid inlet and outlet manifolds of the other of the heat exchangers. In other words, a fluid circulates independently in each heat exchanger of a group.

[0031] According to another variant, the connection between the exchangers or parts of heat exchangers is made tube by tube.

[0032] Each of the heat exchangers is, for example, delimited by a first face and a second face, opposite the first face, the first face of one of the heat exchangers comprising at least one of the fluid outlet and inlet collectors and the first face of the other of the heat exchangers comprising at least the other of the fluid inlet or outlet collectors.

[0033] For example, the first face of each of the heat exchangers includes a fluid inlet manifold and a fluid outlet manifold. Each inlet manifold is connected by a first row of tubes to a heat exchanger and each outlet manifold is connected by a second row of tubes to a heat exchanger.

[0034] For example, the second face of each of the heat exchangers comprises a plurality of bent tubes for circuiting the corresponding heat exchanger.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate in one of the heat exchangers towards the other of the heat exchangers so as to form a countercurrent heat exchange relative to the air flow passing through the heat exchanger assembly.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate in the other of the heat exchangers towards one of the heat exchangers so as to form a co-current heat exchange with respect to the air flow passing through the heat exchanger assembly.

[0037] Advantageously, each of the air humidification devices comprises at least one system for spraying an air humidification fluid.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the air humidification device of at least one of the groups further comprises a medium configured to humidify the air flow entering the heat exchangers and the spraying system comprises a system for spraying said medium with a humidification fluid, said spraying system being arranged above the medium and configured to humidify said medium.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the air humidification device of at least one of the groups is media-free and the spraying system further comprises a spraying system comprising at least one spray nozzle configured to spray the humidification fluid directly onto the heat exchanger of said at least one of the groups.

[0040] Generally speaking, the sprinkler system is a system for watering a medium with a humidifying fluid or a system for spraying with a humidifying fluid, for example water.

[0041] For example, one or each of the air humidification devices includes a humidification media or member configured to humidify the airflow entering the heat exchangers.

[0042] Each medium in an air humidification device is arranged upstream of a heat exchanger in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the air humidification device of one of the groups comprises a medium and a system for spraying said medium with a humidification fluid arranged above the medium and configured to humidify said corresponding medium and the air humidification device of the other of the groups comprises only a system for spraying with a humidification fluid, without medium.

[0044] The media is, for example, made of absorbent material.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the heat exchangers of the heat exchanger assembly extend in a substantially vertical direction.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the heat exchangers of the heat exchanger assembly extend in a direction inclined relative to a vertical direction, for example at 45°.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the adiabatic cooler or air condenser comprises two sets of heat exchangers each crossed by an air flow.

[0048] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which: [ Fig 1A ] [ Fig 1B ] represent, very schematically, two examples of the construction of an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to the state of the art; [ Fig 2 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to one embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 3A ] [ Fig 3B ] represent, very schematically, respectively the front face and the rear face of one of the sets of heat exchangers of the adiabatic media cooler or condenser of the figure 2 ; [ Fig 4A ] [ Fig 4B ] represent, very schematically, respectively the front face and the rear face of one of the sets of heat exchangers of an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 5A ] [ Fig 5B ] represent, very schematically, respectively the front face and the rear face of one of the sets of heat exchangers of an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 6A ] [ Fig 6B ] represent, very schematically, respectively the front face and the rear face of one of the sets of heat exchangers of an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 7 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 8 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 9 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 10 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention; and [ Fig 11 ] represents, very schematically, an adiabatic media cooler or condenser according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0049] In the remainder of the description, the terms "internal" and "external" refer to the interior of the adiabatic cooler or condenser, the internal parts being closer to the interior of the adiabatic cooler or condenser than the external parts.

[0050] On the figure 2 an adiabatic cooler / condenser referenced 10 is shown as a whole in a position assumed to be vertical. The adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 may be of the air-condenser type in which a fluid to be condensed circulates or a cooler in which a fluid to be cooled circulates.

[0051] The adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 comprises a casing 12 comprising four side walls (not referenced) here vertical, namely two side walls, a transverse front wall and a transverse rear wall. The casing 12 further comprises an upper wall and a floor or lower wall forming a bottom. All of the walls of the casing 12 delimit an internal enclosure 13. The adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 comprises one or more fans 16 mounted on the upper wall of the casing 12 and configured to set the air flow A in motion.

[0052] The adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 further comprises two sets of heat exchangers 20, 30 each traversed by a separate air flow A1, A2. In other words, an air flow only passes through one set of heat exchangers 20, 30.

[0053] Alternatively, the adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 could comprise only one set of heat exchangers crossed by an air flow.

[0054] Each of the heat exchanger assemblies 20, 30 comprises two heat exchange batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 or heat exchangers arranged in parallel in the internal enclosure 13 of the casing 12 and two air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 mounted in parallel and alternately with respect to the heat exchange batteries.

[0055] In other words, in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16, the adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 comprises a first external air humidification device 23; 33, a first external heat exchange battery 21, 31, directly downstream of the first external air humidification device 23; 33, a second internal air humidification device 24; 34 directly downstream of the first battery 21, 31 and a second internal heat exchange battery 22, 32, directly downstream of the second internal air humidification device 24; 34.

[0056] The first external air humidification device 23; 33 and the first external heat exchange battery 21, 31 form a first group and the second internal air humidification device 24; 34 and the second internal heat exchange battery 22, 32 form a second group arranged downstream of the first group in the direction of circulation of the air flow.

[0057] Alternatively, it could be provided that each of the sets of heat exchangers comprises a number of heat exchange batteries and associated humidification devices greater than two, for example equal to three. The number of heat exchange batteries is identical to the number of humidification devices.

[0058] As illustrated on the figure 2 , and in a non-limiting manner, the first group is in contact with the second group. Alternatively, a space could be provided between the two groups. It could also be provided that a single heat exchanger comprises two exchanger parts separated by a space in which a humidification device is mounted.

[0059] Generally, the two groups are arranged in series in the direction of air flow.

[0060] The heat exchange batteries each comprise either a plurality of tubes and fins (not shown) or microchannels. A fluid, for example, a fluid to be cooled or condensed, such as for example a refrigerant, water, glycol, a mixture of water and glycol or any other fluid suitable for being condensed or cooled, circulates in the tubes of each of the heat exchange batteries. In the case of an air condenser, the heat exchange batteries are configured to change the refrigerant to be condensed from a gaseous form to a liquid form. The gaseous fluid at the inlet FG is condensed to deliver a liquid fluid at the outlet Fs.

[0061] Alternatively, in the case of a cooler, the heat exchange batteries are configured to cool the fluid circulating in said batteries. The outlet fluid Fs is cooled relative to the inlet fluid FE.

[0062] Each of the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 is configured to humidify the air flow entering the batteries 21, 22; 31, 32. Each of the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 is associated with a battery.

[0063] Each air humidification device 23, 24; 33, 34 is arranged upstream of a battery 21, 22; 31, 32 in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16.

[0064] The air humidification device 23, 24; 33, 34 comprises a system 23b, 24b; 33b, 34b for spraying a fluid upstream of the associated battery.

[0065] In the example illustrated on the figure 2 The air humidification device 23, 24; 33, 34 comprises a medium 23a, 24a; 33a, 34a or humidification member arranged upstream of a battery 21, 22; 31, 32 in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16.

[0066] The media is usually made of absorbent material.

[0067] The system 23b, 24b; 33b, 34b for spraying a fluid is here in the form of a system for spraying the medium 23a, 24a; 33a, 34a with a humidifying fluid, for example water. The spraying system 23b, 24b; 33b, 34b is, here, arranged above each of the media 23a, 24a; 33a, 34a and configured to humidify said associated medium.

[0068] Alternatively, provision could be made for the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 to be devoid of media. In the case where the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 are devoid of media, the spraying system is in the form of a system for spraying a humidification fluid arranged upstream of a battery, as will be described in detail with reference to figures 7 à 11 .

[0069] It would also be possible to combine a humidification device 23; 33 of one of the groups comprising a medium and a system for watering said medium and a humidification device 24; 34 of the other of the groups without a medium and comprising a sprinkling system in the form of a spraying system as will be described in detail with reference to figures 7 à 11 .

[0070] Generally, each of the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 comprises at least one system for spraying a fluid, such as a system for watering a medium with a humidification fluid or a system for spraying a humidification fluid.

[0071] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the air humidification device 23, 24; 33, 34 comprises a system 23c, 24c; 33c, 34c for recovering or collecting the humidification fluid after passing through the corresponding media 23a, 24a; 33a, 34a.

[0072] In the case where the air humidification devices 23, 24; 33, 34 are devoid of media, the recovery system 23c, 24c; 33c, 34c collects the humidification fluid after spraying by the spraying system.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the side walls of the adiabatic cooler / condenser are separate from the external batteries 21, 31 of each of the heat exchanger assemblies 20, 30.

[0074] Alternatively, it could be provided that the external side wall of at least one of the external batteries 21, 31 of the heat exchanger assemblies 20, 30, or even of the two external batteries, forms the side walls of the casing 12.

[0075] In the case where the side walls of the external batteries form the side walls of the casing 12, and in the case of an adiabatic cooler / condenser, the external air humidification device 23, 33 of each of the heat exchanger assemblies 20, 30 is arranged outside the casing 12.

[0076] It could be envisaged to arrange the batteries of the same set of heat exchangers vertically or to arrange the batteries of the same set of heat exchangers inclinedly, or even horizontally. In the case where the air condenser / cooler comprises two sets of heat exchangers, said sets of heat exchangers can be arranged vertically, horizontally or inclined for example at 45° in order to form a V.

[0077] THE figures 3A et 3B respectively illustrate the front face 20a and the rear face 20b of one of the heat exchanger assemblies 20 of the figure 2 .

[0078] The heat exchanger assemblies 20, 30 are identical to each other, only the heat exchanger assembly 20 will be described in detail with reference to the figures 3A et 3B .

[0079] The external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b, opposite the front face 21a.

[0080] The front face 21a of the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a fluid inlet manifold 25a and a fluid outlet manifold 25b.

[0081] As illustrated, the fluid inlet collector 25a is connected by a first row of tubes 26a of the battery on the side of the front face 21a of the external battery 21 of the assembly 20 and the fluid outlet collector 25b is connected by a second row of tubes 26b on the side of the front face 21a of said battery 21.

[0082] Similarly, the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a front face 22a and a rear face 22b, opposite the front face 22a.

[0083] The front face 22a of the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a fluid inlet collector 27a and a fluid outlet collector 27b.

[0084] As illustrated, the fluid inlet manifold 27a is connected to a first row of tubes 28a of the battery on the side of the front face 22a of the internal battery 22 of the assembly 20 and the fluid outlet manifold 27b is connected to a first row of tubes 28b on the side of the front face 22a of said battery 22.

[0085] The first and second row of tubes 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b of each battery 21, 22 are connected by welding respectively to the corresponding fluid inlet manifold and fluid outlet manifold.

[0086] The inlet manifold 25a of the external battery 21 and the outlet manifold 27b of the internal battery 22 are connected by a pipe 29.

[0087] As illustrated on the figure 3B , the rear face 21b, 22b of the external and internal batteries 21, 22 also comprises a plurality of tubes 26c, 28c comprising welded 180° bends for the circuitry of the corresponding battery.

[0088] In the example illustrated on the figures 3A et 3B , the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the internal battery 22 to the external battery 21 and thus forms a so-called “countercurrent” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20.

[0089] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the external battery 21 to the internal battery 22 and thus forms a so-called “co-current” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20. In this case, the collector 25a would be a fluid outlet collector of the external battery 21 would be connected to the collector 27b which would be an inlet collector of the internal battery 21.

[0090] Generally, the outlet manifold of one of the batteries of a heat exchanger assembly is connected to the inlet manifold of the other of the batteries of said heat exchanger assembly.

[0091] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 4A et 4B in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment illustrated on the figures 3A et 3B only by the fact that the connection of the two heat exchanger parts or heat exchangers 21, 22 is carried out by tube-by-tube manufacturing, i.e. circuit by circuit, by 180° bends (not visible on the figures 4A et 4B ).

[0092] As illustrated on the figures 4A et 4B , the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b, opposite the front face 21a.

[0093] The front face 21a of the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a first row of fluid inlet tubes 26a and a fluid outlet collector 25b.

[0094] As illustrated, the fluid outlet collector 25b is connected by a second row of tubes 26b on the side of the front face 21a of said battery 21.

[0095] Similarly, the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a front face 22a and a rear face 22b, opposite the front face 22a.

[0096] The front face 22a of the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a fluid inlet collector 27a and a first row of fluid outlet tubes 28b.

[0097] As illustrated, the fluid inlet manifold 27a is connected to a second row of fluid inlet tubes 28a on the side of the front face 22a of the internal battery 22 of the assembly 20.

[0098] Each of the tubes of the first row of fluid inlet tubes 26a of the external battery 21 is connected to a tube of the first row of fluid outlet tubes 28b of the internal battery 22 by a corresponding conduit 29.

[0099] As illustrated on the figure 4B , the rear face 21b, 22b of the external and internal batteries 21, 22 also comprises a plurality of tubes 26c, 28c comprising welded 180° bends for the circuitry of the corresponding battery.

[0100] In the example illustrated on the figures 4A et 4B , the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the internal battery 22 to the external battery 21 and thus forms a so-called “countercurrent” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20.

[0101] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the external battery 21 to the internal battery 22 and thus forms a so-called “co-current” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20. In this case, the tubes of the first row of tubes 26a would be fluid outlet tubes from the external battery 21 and the tubes of the first row of tubes 28b would be fluid inlet tubes.

[0102] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 5A et 5B in which the same elements bear the same references, the rear face 21b of the external battery 21 comprises the fluid inlet collector 25a and the rear face 22b of the internal battery 22 comprises the fluid outlet collector 27b.

[0103] The inlet manifold 25a of the external battery 21 and the outlet manifold 27b of the internal battery 22 are connected by a pipe 29.

[0104] In the example illustrated on the figures 5A et 5B , the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the internal battery 22 to the external battery 21 and thus forms a so-called “countercurrent” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20.

[0105] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fluid circulates from the external battery 21 to the internal battery 22 and thus forms a so-called “co-current” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20. In this case, the collector 25a would be a fluid outlet collector of the external battery 21 would be connected to the collector 27b which would be an inlet collector of the internal battery 21.

[0106] Generally, the outlet manifold of one of the batteries of a set of heat exchangers is connected to the inlet manifold of the other of the batteries of said set of heat exchangers.

[0107] Generally, the input collectors 25a, 27a and the output collectors 25b, 27b of the batteries 21, 22 can be arranged on the same face of the battery, as can be seen in the figure 3A or can be arranged on two opposite sides of the battery, as seen on the figures 5A et 5B The arrangement of the inlet and outlet collectors depends on the number of passes of the battery. When the number of passes of the battery is even, the inlet and outlet collectors are on the same side, i.e., on the same face of the battery, and when the number of passes of the battery is odd, the inlet and outlet collectors are on each side, i.e., on two opposite faces of the battery.

[0108] Alternatively, it could also be provided that the batteries of the heat exchanger assembly are not connected to each other.

[0109] In the examples illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the inlet of the inlet manifold 27a and the outlet of the outlet manifold 25b are located in the lower part of the batteries 21, 22. Alternatively, provision could be made to arrange the inlet of the inlet manifold 27a and the outlet of the outlet manifold 25b at another location on the batteries 21, 22.

[0110] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 6A et 6B in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment illustrated on the figures 5A et 5B only by the fact that the connection of the two heat exchanger parts or heat exchangers 21, 22 is carried out by tube-by-tube manufacturing, i.e. circuit by circuit, by 180° bends (not visible on the figures 6A et 6B ).

[0111] As illustrated on the figures 6A et 6B , the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b, opposite the front face 21a.

[0112] The front face 21a of the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a fluid outlet collector 25b and the rear face 21b of the external heat exchange battery 21 comprises a first row of fluid inlet tubes 26a.

[0113] As illustrated, the fluid outlet collector 25b is connected by a second row of tubes 26b on the side of the front face 21a of said battery 21.

[0114] Similarly, the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a front face 22a and a rear face 22b, opposite the front face 22a.

[0115] The front face 22a of the internal heat exchange battery 22 comprises a fluid inlet collector 27a and the rear face 21b of said battery 22 comprises a first row of fluid outlet tubes 28b.

[0116] As illustrated, the fluid inlet manifold 27a is connected to a second row of fluid inlet tubes 28a on the side of the front face 22a of the internal battery 22 of the assembly 20.

[0117] Each of the tubes of the first row of fluid inlet tubes 26a of the external battery 21 is connected to a tube of the first row of fluid outlet tubes 28b of the internal battery 22 by a corresponding conduit 29.

[0118] In the example illustrated on the figures 6A et 6B , the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the internal battery 22 to the external battery 21 and thus forms a so-called “countercurrent” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20.

[0119] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fluid to be condensed or cooled circulates from the external battery 21 to the internal battery 22 and thus forms a so-called “co-current” heat exchange with respect to the air flow A passing through the heat exchanger assembly 20. In this case, the tubes of the first row of tubes 26a would be fluid outlet tubes from the external battery 21 and the tubes of the first row of tubes 28b would be fluid inlet tubes.

[0120] The method of realization of the figure 7 , in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment of the figure 2 , only because one of the groups is devoid of media.

[0121] As illustrated on the figure 7 , each set of heat exchangers 20, 30 comprises two heat exchange batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 or heat exchangers arranged in parallel in the internal enclosure 13 of the casing 12 and two air humidification devices 40a, 24; 40b, 34 mounted in parallel and alternately with respect to the heat exchange batteries.

[0122] In other words, in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16, the adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 comprises a first external air humidification device 40a, 40b, a first external heat exchange battery 21, 31, directly downstream of the first external air humidification device 40a, 40b, a second internal air humidification device 24, 34, directly downstream of the first battery 21, 31 and a second internal heat exchange battery 22, 32, directly downstream of the second internal air humidification device 24, 34.

[0123] Each of the first external air humidification devices 40a, 40b and the associated first external heat exchange battery 21, 31 form a first group and each of the second internal air humidification devices 24, 34 and the associated second internal heat exchange battery 22, 32 form a second group arranged downstream of the first group in the direction of circulation of the air flow.

[0124] The first external air humidification device comprises a spraying system, here in the form of a spraying system 40a, 40b comprising a plurality of spray nozzles configured to spray a humidifying fluid, for example water, directly onto the external face of the associated external battery 21, 31.

[0125] The first external air humidification device further comprises a system 23c, 33c for recovering or collecting the humidification fluid sprayed by the associated spraying system 40a, 40b.

[0126] The first external air humidification device is media-free.

[0127] The second internal air humidification device comprises a medium 24a, 34a or humidification member arranged upstream of the associated internal battery 22, 32 in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16.

[0128] The media is usually made of absorbent material.

[0129] The second internal air humidification device further comprises a system 24b, 34b for spraying a fluid, here, in the form of a system for watering the medium 24a, 24b with a humidification fluid, for example water. The watering system 24b, 34b is, here, arranged above the medium 24a, 34a and configured to humidify said associated medium.

[0130] Alternatively, it could be provided that the first external air humidification device comprises a medium and a system for watering said medium and that the second internal air humidification device is devoid of media and comprises a system for spraying a humidification fluid directly onto the external face of the associated internal battery 22, 32.

[0131] Each of the air humidification devices 40a, 24; 40b, 34 is associated with a battery 21, 22; 31, 32.

[0132] Batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 are identical to the batteries described with reference to figures 2 à 6 and will not be further described here.

[0133] The method of realization of the figure 8 , in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment of the figure 2 , solely by the fact that one of the groups of the first set 20 of heat exchangers is devoid of media and comprises a system for spraying a fluid.

[0134] As illustrated on the figure 8 , the first set of heat exchangers 20 comprises two heat exchange batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 or heat exchangers arranged in parallel in the internal enclosure 13 of the casing 12 and two air humidification devices 23, 41a mounted in parallel and alternately with respect to the heat exchange batteries.

[0135] In other words, in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16, the adiabatic cooler / condenser 10 comprises a first external air humidification device 23, a first external heat exchange battery 21, directly downstream of the first external air humidification device 23, a second internal air humidification device 41a directly downstream of the first battery 21 and a second internal heat exchange battery 22 directly downstream of the second internal air humidification device 41a.

[0136] The first external air humidification device 23 comprises a medium 23a or humidification member arranged upstream of the external battery 21 in the direction of circulation of the air flow set in motion by the fans 16.

[0137] The media is usually made of absorbent material.

[0138] The first external air humidification device further comprises a system 23b for spraying a fluid, here, in the form of a system for watering the medium 23a with a humidification fluid, for example water, a system 23c for recovering the humidification fluid. The watering system 23b is, here, arranged above the medium 23a and configured to humidify said associated medium.

[0139] The second internal air humidification device comprises a spraying system, here in the form of a spraying system 41a comprising a plurality of spray nozzles configured to spray a humidifying fluid, for example water, directly onto the external face of the internal battery 22.

[0140] The second external air humidification device further comprises a system 24c for recovering or collecting the humidification fluid sprayed by the spraying system 41a.

[0141] The second external air humidification device is media-free.

[0142] Alternatively, it could be provided that the second external air humidification device comprises a medium and a system for watering said medium and that the first internal air humidification device is devoid of media and comprises a system for spraying a humidification fluid directly onto the external face of the external battery 21.

[0143] Each of the air humidification devices 23, 41a is associated with a battery 21, 22.

[0144] Batteries 21, 22 are identical to the batteries described with reference to figures 2 à 6 and will not be further described here.

[0145] The second set of heat exchangers 30 is also identical to the second set of heat exchangers 30 with reference to the figures 2 à 6 and will not be further described here.

[0146] The method of realization of the figure 9 , in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment of the figure 8 , solely by the fact that the batteries 21, 22 of the first set 20 of heat exchangers are not vertical and are here arranged in an inclined manner.

[0147] The method of realization of the figure 10 , in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment of the figure 2 , solely by the fact that the groups of each set 20, 30 of heat exchangers are devoid of media and comprise a system for spraying a fluid.

[0148] As illustrated on the figure 10 , each of the first and second sets of heat exchangers 20, 30 comprises two heat exchange batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 or heat exchangers arranged in parallel in the internal enclosure 13 of the casing 12 and two air humidification devices 40a, 41a; 40b, 41b mounted in parallel and alternately with respect to the heat exchange batteries.

[0149] The first external air humidification device 40a; 40b and the first external heat exchange battery 21, 31 form a first group and the second internal air humidification device 41a, 41b and the second internal heat exchange battery 22; 33 form a second group arranged downstream of the first group in the direction of circulation of the air flow.

[0150] The first external air humidification device comprises a spraying system, here in the form of a spraying system 40a, 40b comprising a plurality of spray nozzles configured to spray a humidifying fluid, for example water, directly onto the external face of the associated external battery 21, 31.

[0151] The first external air humidification device further comprises a system 23c, 33c for recovering or collecting the humidification fluid sprayed by the associated spraying system 40a, 40b.

[0152] The first external air humidification device is media-free.

[0153] The second internal air humidification device comprises a spraying system, here in the form of a spraying system 41a, 41b comprising a plurality of spray nozzles configured to spray a humidifying fluid, for example water, directly onto the external face of the associated internal battery 22, 32.

[0154] The second external air humidification device further comprises a system 24c, 34c for recovering or collecting the humidification fluid sprayed by the associated spraying system 41a, 41b.

[0155] The second external air humidification device is media-free.

[0156] Each of the air humidification devices 40a, 41a; 40b, 41b is associated with a battery 21, 22; 31, 32.

[0157] Batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 are identical to the batteries described with reference to figures 2 à 6 and will not be further described here.

[0158] The method of realization of the figure 11 , in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment of the figure 10 , solely by the fact that the batteries 21, 22; 31, 32 of each set 20, 30 of heat exchangers are not vertical and are here arranged in an inclined manner relative to the vertical direction, in order to form together a V shape.

[0159] Of course, the invention also covers any possibility of combining the embodiments with each other.

[0160] Thanks to the invention, the heat exchange of the adiabatic cooler / condenser is increased.

Claims

1. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) comprising at least one set of heat exchangers (20; 30) crossed by an air flow (A1; A2) and comprising at least a first group comprising a first heat exchanger (21; 31) in which a fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate and a first air humidification device (23; 33; 40a, 41a; 40b, 41b) arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger (21; 31), the heat exchanger assembly comprising at least a second group arranged upstream or downstream of the first group comprising a second heat exchanger (22; 32) in which a fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate and a second air humidification device (24; 34; 40a, 41a; 40b, 41b) arranged in upstream of the second heat exchanger (22; 32), the groups of the heat exchanger assembly (20; 30) being arranged in series in the air flow, each of the heat exchangers (21, 22;31, 32) being delimited by a first face (21a, 22a) and a second face (21b, 22b), opposite the first face (21a, 22a),; characterized in that: - the first face (22a) of one of the heat exchangers (22; 32) comprises an inlet manifold (27a) for the fluid to be condensed or cooled, a first row of fluid inlet tubes (28a) connected to the inlet manifold (27a) and at least a second row of fluid outlet tubes (28b); - the first face (21a) of the other of the heat exchangers (21; 31) comprises an outlet manifold (25b) for the fluid to be condensed or cooled, a first row of fluid inlet tubes (26a) and at least one second row of fluid outlet tubes (26b), the second row of fluid outlet tubes (28b) of one of the heat exchangers (22; 32) being connected directly or indirectly to the first row of fluid inlet tubes (26a) of the other of the heat exchangers (21; 31) by a pipe (29); - the second face (21b, 22b) of each of the heat exchangers (21, 22;31, 32) comprises a plurality of tubes (26c, 28c) for the circuitry of the corresponding heat exchanger.; 2. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first face (22a) of one of the heat exchangers (22; 32) comprises an outlet manifold (27b) connected to the second row of fluid outlet tubes (28b) and the first face (21a) of the other of the heat exchangers (21; 31) comprises an inlet manifold (25a) connected to the first row of inlet tubes (26a), the outlet manifold (27b) of one of the exchangers (22; 32) is connected to the inlet manifold (25a) of the other of the exchangers (21; 31) by the pipe (29).

3. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the tubes of the first row of outlet tubes (28a) of one of the heat exchangers (22; 32) is connected to a tube of the first row of inlet tubes (26a) of the other of the heat exchangers (22; 32) by the conduit (29).

4. An adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first group and the second group are in contact with each other.

5. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate in one of the heat exchangers (22; 32) towards the other of the heat exchangers (21; 31) so as to form a countercurrent heat exchange with respect to the air flow (A1) passing through the set of heat exchangers (20; 30).

6. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the fluid to be condensed or cooled is intended to circulate in the other of the heat exchangers (21) towards one of the heat exchangers (22) so as to form a co-current heat exchange with respect to the air flow (A1) passing through the set of heat exchangers (20; 30).

7. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the air humidification devices (23, 24; 33, 34) comprises at least one system (23b, 24b; 33b, 34b, 40a, 41a; 40b, 41b) for spraying an air humidification fluid.

8. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to claim 7, wherein the air humidification device (23, 24; 33, 34) of at least one of the groups further comprises a medium (23a, 24a; 33a, 34a) configured to humidify the air flow entering the heat exchangers (21, 22; 31, 32) and wherein the spraying system (23b, 24b; 33b, 34b) comprises a system for spraying said medium with a humidification fluid, said spraying system being arranged above the medium and configured to humidify said medium.

9. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the air humidification device (40a, 41a; 40b, 41b) of at least one of the groups is devoid of media and wherein the spraying system (40a, 41a; 40b, 41b) further comprises a spraying system comprising at least one spray nozzle configured to spray the humidification fluid directly onto the heat exchanger (21, 22; 31, 32) of said at least one of the groups.

10. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchangers (21, 22; 31, 32) of the heat exchanger assembly extend in a substantially vertical direction.

11. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchangers (21, 22; 31, 32) of the heat exchanger assembly extend in a direction substantially inclined relative to a vertical direction.

12. Adiabatic cooler or condenser (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two sets of heat exchangers (20; 30) each crossed by an air flow (A1; A2).

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