Insulated thermal machine with a coolant gas circulation circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat engine (1) with a casing containing at least some of its various functional components (2, 3, 4, 5) and having inlet (7) and outlet openings for an airflow to be treated, which is drawn into an internal volume delimited by said casing and passes through the evaporator (2) under the action of an air circulation means. The engine (1) is characterized in that the casing is made up of wall portions (9, 9', 9", 9"') of an insulating material assembled together, at least one condenser (4) is housed in the thickness of one (9) of the lateral wall portions (9, 9') of the casing, and at least some of the internal faces (10) of the housing formed in said wall portion (9) and receiving said condenser (4) have formations (11) for the recovery of the condensate that may form on the external faces (4') of the condenser. (4) targeted and for the directed conveyance of said condensate, under the effect of gravity,towards means (12, 13) for evacuating said condensate from said portion of wall (9) and towards the outside of the casing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal machines with a heat transfer gaseous fluid, such as a refrigerant, in particular heat pumps, and has as its object a thermal machine, thermally insulated, and possibly acoustically insulated, comprising integrated means for evacuating condensates.

[0002] A heat pump, as is known, comprises a refrigerant circulation circuit including at least one evaporator, one compressor, one condenser, and one expansion valve. It also includes a casing (6) containing at least some of the aforementioned functional components and having inlet and outlet openings for an airflow to be treated. This airflow is drawn from the external environment into the internal volume of the casing and passes through the evaporator under the action of an air circulation device (turbine or blower) before being discharged back into the external environment (which may or may not be the same as the intake environment).

[0003] The evaporator transfers energy to the heat transfer fluid (refrigerant) from the expansion valve, vaporizes it, and sends it to the compressor. The vaporized, high-pressure refrigerant is then injected into the condenser where its energy is transferred to a second fluid. The refrigerant eventually condenses and returns to the expansion valve.

[0004] The purpose of a heat pump is to extract energy from a medium (for example, ambient air, brought to the evaporator by a turbine or blower) and transfer it from that medium to another. In a heating application, the air heats the heat transfer fluid in the evaporator, causing it to rise in temperature and vaporize. The fluid is then compressed and heated by the compressor before being sent to the condenser. There, in its gaseous form, the heat transfer fluid is at a high temperature and therefore releases its energy by transferring it to the chosen heat source (water, for example). As it does so, its temperature drops and the gaseous fluid condenses.

[0005] If the condenser is located in an indoor environment (a dwelling), the ambient air only slightly condenses on the external walls of said condenser.

[0006] However, the heat pump can also operate in cooling mode by functioning on a reverse refrigeration cycle. In this case, energy is extracted from the condenser and transferred to the evaporator. Occasional drops in temperature at the condenser below the ambient air temperature will then be more frequent, and in these cases, condensation will form around the condenser. This condensate must be collected and drained to prevent it from dripping into the heat pump and damaging it, reducing its lifespan, disrupting its operation, or creating safety hazards for the user.

[0007] Evolving building standards and constraints mean that requirements for heat loss and airtightness of heat pumps are gradually increasing. As a result, heat exchangers, which are areas of intense heat transfer and can also be located at the internal / external interfaces of a heat pump, must be thermally and / or acoustically insulated, as they are more sensitive to these regulatory changes.

[0008] Document WO2023 / 235249 A1 discloses a heat engine according to the preamble of claim 1, namely a heat engine, in particular a heat pump, with a heat transfer gas circulation circuit comprising, in particular, at least one evaporator, at least one compressor, at least one condenser or similar heat exchanger, and at least one expansion valve, as well as a casing containing at least some of the aforementioned functional components and having inlet and outlet openings for an airflow to be treated, which is drawn into an internal volume delimited by said casing and passes through the evaporator under the action of an air circulation means. However, the machine disclosed by this document has limitations in terms of construction, insulation, and condensate drainage.

[0009] In this context, the invention aims to simultaneously meet the requirements for thermal insulation of the exchanger, thermal (and possibly acoustic) insulation of the thermal machine and collection and evacuation of condensates that may form in this machine, and in particular to overcome the aforementioned limitations.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a heat engine according to the preamble of claim 1 and also having the characteristics of the characterizing part of this claim.

[0011] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1A] et [Fig. 1B ] are views, in perspective and from above respectively, of a heat engine according to the invention (on the figure 1B (The means of air circulation is symbolically represented, as well as the treated airflow), an envelope may possibly be present and cover the entire assembly shown figure 1B (not shown); Fig. 1C ] is a top view of the heat engine similar to that of the figure 1B , the portion of the upper wall being removed and the functional components present in the internal volume of the casing not being shown; Fig. 1D ] is a cross-sectional view along BB and an elevation view of the heat engine shown figure 1B ; Fig. 2A] et [Fig. 2B ] are elevation views of the heat engine shown figure 1A in both directions of direction D; [ Fig. 3A ] is a top perspective view of the heat engine of the figure 1A (with the upper wall portion and a portion of the side wall of the casing removed) and [ Fig. 3B ] is a perspective view from below of the heat engine of the figure 1A ; Fig. 4 ] is an exploded view of the heat engine, with its functional components, as represented figures 1 , 2 And 3B ; Fig. 5 ] is an exploded view of the crankcase of the heat engine shown figures 1 , 2 , 3B And 4 ; Fig. 6 ] is an exploded view of the heat engine, with its functional components, as represented figure 4 , the portion of the side wall of the casing incorporating the condenser being removed; [ Fig. 7 ] is an exploded view of the portion of the side wall of the housing incorporating the condenser, with the general direction of condensate flow under the effect of gravity indicated; Fig. 8 [ ] is a cross-sectional and elevational view of the evaporator, along its principal plane, and of the portion of wall forming the bottom of the machine casing shown figures 1 , 2 , 3B And 4 ; Fig. 9 ] is a perspective view of the portion of the wall forming the bottom of the casing, on which the flow of condensate from the condenser (solid arrows) and the flow of condensate from the evaporator (dashed arrows) are represented by arrows; Fig. 10 ] is a partial view, at a different scale, of the lower part of the object depicted figure 8 , on which the flow of condensate from the condenser (solid arrows) and the flow of condensate from the evaporator (dashed arrows) are represented by arrows; Fig. 11 ] is a cross-sectional view and at a different scale of detail A of the figure 2A ; Fig. 12 ] is a perspective view, at a different scale, of the main part, with the recessed area housing the heat exchanger, of the portion of the side wall shown on the figure 7 , as well as on the figures 4 et 5 ; Fig. 13 ] is a cross-sectional view along RR of the main part shown figure 12 ; Fig. 14 ] is a perspective view similar to that of the figure 12 , the heat exchanger being removed; [ Fig. 15A ] is a top view of the object of the figure 14 ; Fig. 15B] et [Fig. 15C ] are cross-sectional views along PP and SS respectively of the object shown on the figure 15A .

[0012] THE figures 1 à 4 show, in some cases only partially, a heat engine (1), in particular a heat pump, with a heat transfer gas circulation circuit comprising in particular at least one evaporator (2), at least one compressor (3), at least one condenser (4) and at least one expansion valve (5). This heat engine also includes a casing (6) containing at least some of the various functional components (2, 3, 4, 5) mentioned above and having inlet (7) and outlet (7') openings for an airflow (F) to be treated, which is drawn into the internal volume (V) of the casing (6) and passes through the evaporator (2) under the action of an air circulation means (8).

[0013] In relation to figures 1 à 4 It is understood that the evaporator (2) supplies energy to a refrigerant from an expansion valve (5), vaporizing it, and sends it to a compressor (3). The vaporized refrigerant, now at high pressure, is sent to the condenser (4) where the energy is transferred to a second fluid. The refrigerant eventually condenses and returns to the expansion valve (5).

[0014] To obtain sufficient heat transfer, a turbine or blower (8) is positioned downstream of the evaporator (2) to draw in air (see flow F on figure 1B ) from an inlet duct (not shown) and through an opening (7) and discharged outside the heat engine (1) after passing through the evaporator (2). The discharge can also be carried out through an outlet duct (not shown). In heating mode, the intake air has its energy extracted and is therefore discharged at a lower temperature than when it entered the heat engine (1). In cooling mode, the intake air is heated by the hot fluid contained in the evaporator (2) and is therefore discharged at a higher temperature.

[0015] Since the heat engine (1) can be installed in a heated enclosure (dwelling), it is preferable that its energy supply be the (outside) air that feeds its intake duct, and not the air from the immediate environment in which the engine (1) is located (heat loss). Therefore, the portion of the internal volume (V) of the casing dedicated to intake and located upstream of the evaporator (2) should be insulated and preferably airtight. Furthermore, the presence of the compressor (3), a source of vibration, can generate an undesirable level of noise for the user.

[0016] To this end, and in accordance with the invention, a housing (6) is provided, consisting of wall sections (9, 9', 9", 9"') made of a material with thermal insulation properties, and preferably acoustic insulation properties, assembled together, preferably in an airtight manner. The internal volume (V) is thus delimited or "enclosed," and the wall sections (9, 9', 9", 9"') forming said housing (6) are preferably rigid elements based on closed-cell polymer materials. The manufacturing of the housing (6) is thus facilitated and allows for various shapes.

[0017] Furthermore, regarding the condenser (4), condensation will inevitably form on its external walls / faces, especially in cooling applications, but also in heating applications. Moreover, for reasons of operational efficiency, said condenser (4) should not experience detrimental heat losses.

[0018] To this end and in accordance with the invention also, said at least one condenser (4) is housed in the thickness of one (9) of the lateral wall portions (9, 9') of the casing (6), in a suitable space, and at least some of the internal faces (10) of the housing (10'), provided in said wall portion (9) and receiving said at least one condenser (4), have formations (11) for the recovery / collection of the condensate (C) likely to form on the external faces (4') of the condenser (4) referred to and for its directed conveyance, under the effect of gravity, to integrated and mutually cooperating means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating said condensate (C) from said wall portion (9) and to the outside of the casing (6).

[0019] Thus, the condenser (4) is located on the insulation interface forming the boundary between the internal volume (V) of suction and the environment in which the thermal machine (1) is installed.

[0020] The condenser (4) is thus confined within the thickness of one of the side wall sections (9, 9') in the form of insulating panels that form the casing (6) delimiting the enclosure of the suction volume. The raised features (11) and the drainage means (12, 13, 14, 15) work together to collect, channel, and drain the condensate that forms, all by gravity. Their rapid removal helps to limit the potential for icing on the heat exchanger (4).

[0021] In accordance with an advantageous construction of the heat engine (1), as shown in the aforementioned figures, the casing (6) contains the functional components (2, 3, 5) other than at least one condenser (4) integrated into a portion of the side wall (9), said functional components (2, 3, 4, 5) advantageously comprising an evaporator (2), a compressor (3), a condenser (4), and an expansion valve (5). Furthermore, the means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating the condensate (C) from the condenser (4) advantageously comprise a single condensate (C) discharge passage (15) to the outside of the casing (6) from at least one condenser (4) and at least one evaporator (2).

[0022] As shown by figures 3B , 9 And 10, it may be provided that some (14, 15) of the means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating the condensate (C) from the or a condenser (4) also serve for the collection and evacuation to the outside of the casing (6) of the condensate (C) from the or the evaporator (2).

[0023] As illustrated as an example of implementation on the figures 4, 5 And 7 , and more specifically the figures 12 à 15 The formations (11) consist of grooves, molded or engraved in the internal faces (10) of the housing (10') that are in contact with the condenser (4), and the formations (11) of a relevant face (10) of the housing (10') together form an interconnected network (11') of grooves. Furthermore, each network (11') opens, in the lower part of the portion of the wall (9) incorporating the condenser (4), into the opening of a condensate (C) drainage passage (12) present in the lower part of the housing (10') of the lateral wall portion (9) receiving the condenser (4), said opening being preferably located in a lower gravity collection zone (12') of said housing (10').

[0024] This or these collecting network(s) (11') of formations (11) extends substantially over the entire surface of the internal faces (10) that are located opposite at least the main faces (4') of the condenser (4). This or these collecting network(s) (11') may alternatively also include protruding formations of the rib type (not shown), in addition to or instead of the recessed formations (11) of the groove type.

[0025] Thanks to the aforementioned provisions, the invention makes it possible to achieve a construction of the casing and thermal machine such that the condenser (4) is located on the insulation interface forming the boundary between the internal volume (V) of suction and the environment in which the thermal machine (1) is installed.

[0026] Thus, the condenser (4) is confined within the thickness of one of the lateral wall sections (9, 9') in the form of insulating panels that form the casing (6) delimiting the enclosure of the suction volume. The raised features (11) and the drainage means (12, 13, 14, 15) work together to collect, channel, and drain the condensate that forms, all by simple gravity.

[0027] The rapid removal of said condensates allows, in a thermal machine with a multi-part casing, both to improve the efficiency of heat exchange in the thermal machine according to the invention and to limit the amplitude of possible icing phenomena on the exchanger.

[0028] As shown, for example, by figures 4 à 7 It may be provided that the portion of the side wall (9) receiving said at least one condenser (4) has a composite construction and consists of a main part (18) with an open recessed area defining the internal volume of the housing (10') and at least one complementary secondary part (18') closing the recessed area to form the housing (10'), each of the parts (18, 18') providing an internal face (10) with formations (11). More specifically, the portion of the wall (9) may be formed by the assembly of three elementary parts (18, 18', 18"), preferably all cast, namely: a main part (18) in which the housing (10') with its formations (11) is recessed, and two complementary parts (18', 18") for closing said housing (10') and having openings for the passage of the condenser (4) supply lines (see figures 4 And 7 ).

[0029] As shown, for example, by figures 4, 5 And 7 , and more specifically the figures 12 à 15 , for at least one of the two internal faces (10) concerned, namely the internal face (10) of the housing (10') of the main part (18), the configuration of the network (11') of grooves (11) is such that it constitutes a collecting network, tree-like or not, whose ramifications (in particular by their extension, arrangement and orientation) cover in a substantially homogeneous way the whole surface of the face concerned, are fluidly interconnected and promote a flow converging downwards, towards the opening of the condensate (C) evacuation passage (12), and therefore towards the single evacuation passage (15) to the outside of the casing (6) of said condensate (C).A network (11') of similar formations (11) (with possibly a different configuration) may be provided on the inner face (10) of said at least one additional secondary part (18') of closure of the recessed area (10'), or of the two other additional elementary parts (18' and 18"), at the level of the area of ​​the additional elementary part(s) located opposite and in contact with the other main face (4') of the condenser (4), as suggested by the . figure 7 .

[0030] As a preferred alternative embodiment, and as shown by way of example the figures 4 à 6 And 9 à 15, the integrated and mutually cooperating means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating the condensate (C) comprise, on the one hand, a condensate (C) evacuation passage (12) out of the housing (10'), which is present in the lower part of the housing (10) of the portion of the side wall (9) receiving the condenser (4) and which opens into a means (13) for recovering and conveying said condensate (C) present in the portion of the wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6), for example in the form of a gutter, and, on the other hand, a condensate (C) receiving tray (14) from the evaporator (2), located below the latter, formed in said portion of the wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6) and comprising a gravity collection zone (16),the means (13) for recovering and conveying the condensate (C) from the housing (10') opening into said tray (14) and the gravity collection zone (16) being arranged around the opening of a passage (15) for draining the condensate (C) to the outside of the casing (6).

[0031] Although different types of condenser (4) can be envisaged within the framework of the invention, this one is advantageously a condenser with a planar structure with two main opposing external faces (4'), the latter being in contact with the faces (10) of the housing (10') provided with the formations (11).

[0032] To achieve a simple, lightweight, and easy-to-assemble construction of the housing (6), the wall sections (9, 9', 9", 9"') that together form the housing (6) may be joined together, preferably in an airtight manner, by means of interlocking or mutually fitting connections of complementary formations, for example, male (17) / female (17'), and these wall sections (9, 9', 9", 9"') may consist of a material with thermal and acoustic insulation properties of the cellular type. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (6) is formed of a lower wall section (9") or forming a base for the housing, an upper wall section (9"') or forming a lid for the housing, and at least two lateral or intermediate wall sections (9, 9') connecting the first two (9" and 9"').The upper closing wall portion (9") (or lid) advantageously includes the airflow inlet opening (7) (F), to which is typically connected an outside air intake duct (not shown) under the effect of the blower (8), allowing air to be drawn from a distance from the immediate environment of the heat engine (1).

[0033] According to a feature of the invention, arising from figures 4 à 7 And 11 , the means (13) for recovering and conveying said condensate (C) present in the portion of wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6), and appearing for example in the form of a gutter, is present in a female formation (17') in the form of a groove of said bottom wall portion (9") which cooperates by interlocking with a male formation (17) in the form of a wing of the side wall portion (9) integrating the condenser (4) for the purpose of their assembly.

[0034] In order to facilitate the recovery of the condensate flowing from the portion of wall (9), and to guarantee it despite possible manufacturing or assembly play, the groove (17') of the bottom portion of wall (9") has, opposite and below the outlet of the passage (12) for evacuating the condensate (C) out of the housing (10'), a flared or enlarged area (13'), this area (13') communicating fluidly by gravity with the gutter (13), which is located at the bottom of the groove (1'), not occupied by the wing (17) of the side portion of wall (9) fitted into said groove (17).

[0035] The attached drawings show a heat engine (1) with a single heat exchanger (4) in the form of a condenser integrated into one (9) of the side wall portions (9, 9') of the casing (6).

[0036] According to the invention, it may also be provided that this machine (1) comprises at least two heat exchangers / condensers (4), of the same or different types, integrated into one or more of said side wall portions (9, 9'). In the embodiment shown, the casing (6) comprises three side wall portions (9, 9'): it may also comprise only two or more than three.

[0037] The outlet opening (7') of the housing (6) corresponds, in the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, to a side of said housing (6) that is substantially free of a wall. Alternatively, this opening (7') may also correspond to an opening formed in a portion of the side wall delimiting this side of the housing (6). As shown in particular by the figure 1C , the airflow (F) exiting through this opening (7') necessarily passes through the evaporator (2) arranged in this opening.

[0038] As is apparent from figures 1 à 6in particular, the bottom wall portion (9") can extend laterally beyond the casing (6), including also under the blower (8).

[0039] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Heat engine (1), in particular a heat pump, with a heat transfer gas circulation circuit comprising in particular at least one evaporator (2), at least one compressor (3), at least one condenser (4) or similar exchanger and at least one expansion valve (5), as well as a casing (6) containing at least some of the various functional components (2, 3, 4, 5) mentioned above and having inlet (7) and outlet (7') openings for an airflow (F) to be treated, which is drawn into an internal volume (V) delimited by said casing (6) and passes through the evaporator (2) under the action of an air circulation means (8), heat engine (1) characterized in that the casing (6) is made up of wall portions (9, 9', 9", 9"') of a material with thermal insulation properties, and preferably sound insulation properties, assembled together, in that said at least one condenser (4) is housed within the thickness of one (9) of the lateral wall portions (9, 9') of the casing (6) and in thatat least some of the internal faces (10) of the housing (10'), fitted in said portion of wall (9) and receiving said at least one condenser (4), have formations (11) for the recovery of the condensate (C) likely to form on the external faces (4') of the condenser (4) referred to and for the directed conveyance of said condensate (C), under the effect of gravity, to means (12, 13, 14, 15), integrated into said casing (6) and mutually cooperating, of evacuation of said condensate (C) from said portion of wall (9) and to the outside of the casing (6).

2. Heat engine according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing (6) contains the functional components (2, 3, 5) other than said at least one condenser (4) integrated into a portion of side wall (9), said functional components (2, 3, 4, 5) advantageously comprising an evaporator (2), a compressor (3), a condenser (4) and an expansion valve (5), and in thatthe means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating the condensate (C) from the or a condenser (4) include a single passage (15) for evacuating to the outside of the casing (6) condensate (C) coming simultaneously from at least one condenser (4) and at least one evaporator (2).

3. Thermal machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that some (14, 15) of the means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating condensate (C) from the condenser (4) also serve for collecting and evacuating to the outside of the casing (6) condensate (C) from the evaporator (2).

4. Heat engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the formations (11) consist of grooves, molded or engraved in the internal faces (10) of the housing (10') which are in contact with the condenser (4), and in thatthe formations (11) of a relevant face (10) of the housing (10') together form an interconnected network (11') of grooves, and in that Each network (11') opens, in the lower part of the portion of wall (9) integrating the condenser (4), into the opening of a passage (12) for evacuating the condensate (C) present in the lower part of the housing (10') of the portion of side wall (9) receiving the condenser (4), said opening being preferably located in a lower zone (12') for gravity collection of said housing (10').

5. Heat engine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatThe integrated and mutually cooperating means (12, 13, 14, 15) for evacuating the condensate (C) comprise, on the one hand, a condensate (C) evacuation passage (12) out of the housing (10'), which is present in the lower part of the housing (10) of the portion of the side wall (9) receiving the condenser (4) and which opens into a means (13) for recovering and conveying said condensate (C) present in the portion of the wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6), for example in the form of a gutter, and, on the other hand, a condensate (C) receiving tray (14) from the evaporator (2), located below the latter, formed in said portion of the wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6) and comprising a gravity collection zone (16),the means (13) for recovering and conveying the condensate (C) from the housing (10') opening into said tray (14) and the gravity collection zone (16) being arranged around the opening of a passage (15) for draining the condensate (C) to the outside of the casing (6).

6. Heat engine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the condenser (4) is a condenser with a planar structure with two main opposing external faces (4'), the latter being in contact with the faces (10) of the housing (10') provided with the formations (11).

7. Heat engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wall portions (9, 9', 9", 9‴) which together form the casing (6) are assembled together, preferably in an airtight manner, by means of interlocking or mutually fitting connections of complementary formations, for example male (17) / female (17'), and in thatthese wall sections (9, 9', 9", 9"') consist of a material with thermal and acoustic insulation properties of the alveolar type material.

8. Heat engine according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the means (13) for recovering and conveying said condensate (C) present in the portion of wall (9") forming the bottom of the casing (6), and appearing for example in the form of a gutter, is present in a female formation (17') in the form of a groove of said bottom wall portion (9") which cooperates by interlocking with a male formation (17) in the form of a wing of the side wall portion (9) integrating the condenser (4) for the purpose of their assembly.

9. Heat engine according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe groove (17') of the bottom wall portion (9") has, opposite and below the outlet of the condensate (C) evacuation passage (12) out of the housing (10'), a flared or enlarged area (13'), this area (13') communicating fluidly by gravity with the gutter (13), which is located at the bottom of the groove (1'), not occupied by the wing (17) of the side wall portion (9) fitted into said groove (17).

10. Heat engine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the portion of the side wall (9) receiving said at least one condenser (4) has a composite constitution and consists of a main part (18) with an open recessed area defining the internal volume of the housing (10') and at least one complementary secondary part (18') closing the recessed area to form the housing (10'), each of the parts (18, 18') providing an internal face (10) with formations (11).

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