Device for constructing a district heating substation and substation comprising same

Abstract

The device (400) for constructing a district heating substation comprises: - at least one horizontal base (405), - uprights (170), - a plurality of legs (175) for securing the uprights in a vertical position on the horizontal base, and - on at least one vertical upright, a collar (210) configured to retain a pipe (270) in position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A DISTRICT HEATING SUBSTATION AND SUB-

[0003] STATION COMPRISING IT

[0004] Technical field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for constructing a district heating substation and a substation comprising it.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] To limit greenhouse gas emissions, several cities have opted for district heating. The principle is an underground network that carries heated water under pressure throughout the city. Powered by a production unit, the network distributes the heat to the buildings connected to it (hospitals, schools, high schools, middle schools, collective housing, etc.). This heated water is transported through pipes serving buildings equipped with delivery stations called substations.

[0008] Known substations have many disadvantages. First, the high price of these substations, because their manufacturing is custom-made to take into account constraints of size, power, schematic diagram, orientation, etc. In addition, there are risks of damaging the substations during their transport. This transport is, moreover, expensive. The handling of substations is complex, because their mass exceeds 150 kg. During delivery, there are difficulties in transporting them to the reception room and inside this room, because it is necessary to cross corridors, stairs, narrow doors, etc.) and the reception room may have small dimensions. Finally, the lack of manpower concerning pipefitters / welders and the delivery times of suppliers, for example concerning meters and exchangers, make installation times very long.

[0009] Subject of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for constructing a district heating substation according to claim 1.

[0012] In embodiments, at least one collar comprises two flat, U-shaped portions, a lower portion having a groove having two oblique sides, inclined once the collar is mounted, at 45 degrees relative to the vertical, an upper portion having a semi-circular groove.

[0013] In embodiments, at least one collar comprises two flat, U-shaped portions, a lower portion having a groove formed of circular arcs of different diameters, an upper portion having a semi-circular groove.

[0014] In embodiments, at least one base has through-holes corresponding to at least two district heating substation configurations.

[0015] In embodiments, the through holes are tapped.

[0016] In embodiments, the device of the invention comprises at least two separate horizontal bases. In embodiments, the device of the invention comprises uprights of greater height than the other uprights and configured to support an electrical panel.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a district heating substation for thermally connecting a primary network and a secondary network, which comprises:

[0018] - a device which is the subject of the present invention,

[0019] - pipes supported and held in position by device clamps, and

[0020] - a heat exchanger supported by the device.

[0021] In embodiments, the heat exchanger is cantilevered by the pipes supported by the collars of the device.

[0022] In embodiments, the substation further comprises:

[0023] - a filter module on the primary network,

[0024] - a valve on the secondary network,

[0025] - thermometers, on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks,

[0026] - probes, on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks,

[0027] - a pressure gauge on the heat exchanger outlet to the secondary network,

[0028] - a pressure gauge on the heat exchanger inlet from the primary network,

[0029] - valves at each end of the pipes of each of the primary and secondary networks,

[0030] - a two-way valve on the heat exchanger inlet from the primary network, and

[0031] - a meter module on the heat exchanger output to the primary network.

[0032] Brief description of the figures

[0033] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and the substation which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 schematically represents a positioning of a substation which is the subject of the invention, between a primary heat network and a secondary heat network,

[0035] Figure 2 schematically represents a first embodiment of a base for fixing a vertical upright to a base,

[0036] Figure 3 shows, in front view, two parts of a first embodiment of a collar mounted on a vertical upright and supporting a pipeline,

[0037] Figure 4 schematically represents the positioning of an exchanger between a primary network and a secondary network,

[0038] Figure 5 shows, schematically and in top view, a base provided with legs and vertical uprights, in a first configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention,

[0039] Figure 6 represents, in perspective, a first configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, naked,

[0040] Figure 7 represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in Figure 6, after assembly of an exchanger and pipes, Figure 8 represents, schematically and in top view, a base provided with legs and vertical uprights, in a second configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention,

[0041] Figure 9 represents, in perspective, a second configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, naked,

[0042] Figure 10 represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in Figure 9, after assembly of an exchanger and pipes,

[0043] Figure 11 shows, schematically and in top view, a base provided with legs and vertical uprights, in a third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention,

[0044] Figure 12 represents, in perspective, the components of a third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention,

[0045] Figure 13 represents, in perspective, the components illustrated in Figure 12, assembled in the third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention,

[0046] Figure 14 represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in Figure 13, after assembly of an exchanger and pipes,

[0047] Figure 15 represents, in perspective, a complete substation which is the subject of the invention, comprising the device which is the subject of the invention, in a third configuration,

[0048] Figure 16 shows, in front view, two parts of a second embodiment of a collar mounted on a vertical upright and supporting a pipeline,

[0049] Figure 17 represents, in perspective, the components of a variant of the third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, comprising collars illustrated in Figure 16 and vertical uprights of different dimensions,

[0050] Figure 18 represents, in perspective, a variant of the first configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, comprising collars illustrated in Figure 16 and vertical uprights of different dimensions,

[0051] Figure 19 represents, in perspective, the device illustrated in Figure 18, on which pipes and a heat exchanger are mounted, and

[0052] Figure 20 shows, in perspective, a second embodiment of a base for fixing a vertical upright to a base.

[0053] Description of the embodiments

[0054] This description is given without limitation, each feature of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other feature of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner. It is noted from now on that the figures are not to scale. As will be understood from reading this description, various inventive concepts can be implemented by one or more methods or devices described below, several examples of which are provided herein. The actions or steps performed in carrying out the method or device may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, it is possible to construct embodiments in which the actions or steps are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing certain acts simultaneously, even if they are presented as sequential acts in the illustrated embodiments.The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0055] As used herein in the description and claims, "or" is to be understood inclusively. As used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one," with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements and not excluding every combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0056] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "consisting of", and the like, are to be understood as open, i.e., as meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0057] In Figure 1, we observe schematically a positioning of a substation 100 which is the subject of the invention, between a primary heat network 105 and a secondary heat network 110. The primary heat network 105 is heated by a boiler room 115 comprising boilers 120 and a fuel source 125, for example a gas delivery network. The secondary network 110 is here represented in a residential building 130. The boiler room 115 heats the water circulating in the primary network 105, which carries it to the heat exchange substation 100. The water of the secondary network 110 is heated there, by heat exchange with the water of the primary network 105 and circulates between the dwellings of the building 130, to heat them.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 5, 8 and 11, a device that is the subject of the invention takes the form of a modular chassis 400, 500 and 600 which comprises at least one base 405, 505, 605 and 606 provided with through holes 160, preferably tapped. This base 405, 505, 605 and 606 is, for example, formed from a rectangular galvanized steel plate folded on its four edges after removal of its four corners. As explained with regard to three examples of configurations of the device that is the subject of the invention, the position of the tapped holes 160 on the base 405, 505 and 605 can be variable depending on the configurations. However, preferably, the bases 405, 505 and 605 are identical and their tapped holes 160 are in the same positions. In Figure 11, the base 605 is completed by a base 606.

[0059] The device 400, 500 and 600 also comprises legs 175 or 176 for fixing vertical uprights 170 perpendicular to the plane of the base 405, 505, 605 or 606. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the vertical uprights are square-section profiles made of galvanized steel. In this example, the fixing legs 175 take the form of profiles whose body 190 is vertical, of horizontal “L” section and whose two sides are equal. The lower ends 180 are folded at right angles to form horizontal legs once the vertical upright 170 is positioned on the horizontal base 405, 505, 605 or 606 for assembly. The legs 175 are, for example, made by folding a rectangular plate of galvanized steel, then drilling, for example with a punch, oblong openings 185 on the legs 180 and oblong openings

[0060] 195 on the body 190. Tapped holes 200 on the vertical uprights 170 allow screws to be screwed through the oblong openings 195. The mounting of the legs 175 of the vertical uprights 170 on the base 400, 500, 605 or 606 is done in the same way by screwing screws through the oblong openings 185 of the legs 180 into the tapped holes 160.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 20, the fixing legs 176 take the form of a vertical “L” section with two equal sides. The lower end 181 is folded at a right angle to the upper part 191, to form horizontal legs once the vertical upright 170 is positioned on the horizontal base 405, 505, 605 or 606 for mounting. The legs 176 are, for example, formed by folding a galvanized steel plate, then drilling, for example with a punch, oblong openings 186 on the horizontal part 181 and oblong openings

[0062] 196 on the vertical part 191. Again, the tapped holes 200 on the vertical uprights 170 allow screws to be screwed through the oblong openings 196. The mounting of the legs 176 of the vertical uprights 170 on the base 400, 500, 605 or 606 is done in the same way by screwing screws through the oblong openings 186 of the horizontal parts 181 into the tapped holes 160.

[0063] In Figure 3, two parts 215 and 220 of a collar 210 are observed. Each of these parts 215 and 220 is flat and has a “U” shape. The lower part 215 has a groove 240 having two oblique sides, inclined, once the collar 210 is mounted, at 45 degrees relative to the vertical. The lower part 215 also has a vertical oblong opening 225 and threaded openings 235. The upper part 220, on the other hand, has a semicircular groove 245. The upper part 220 also has two oblong openings 230, on either side of the groove 245. The spacing between the oblong openings 230 is equal to that between the threaded openings 235.Thus, once a pipe is positioned on the groove 240, the groove 245 of the upper part 220 can be placed in support on this pipe and screws 255 passing through the oblong openings 230 can be fixed on the threaded openings 235 to lock the two parts of the collar 210 in their respective positions. The parts 215 and 220 are, for example, made of galvanized steel.

[0064] The oblong opening 225 serves to adjust the height of the pipe relative to the base 405, 505, 605 or 606, by receiving several screws 260 which are fixed, by screwing, in threaded openings 250 of the vertical upright 170, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, a pipe 270 is thus positioned and retained by a collar 210 mounted on a vertical upright 170. For example, the holes 200 and 250 are steel inserts while the holes 160 and 235 are threaded.

[0065] In Figure 4, we observe different components of a substation 300 comprising a heat exchanger 350. A pressure gauge 305 is positioned on the hot water inlet coming from the primary network 105. A pressure gauge 310 is positioned on the hot water outlet leading to the secondary network 110. Similarly, temperature sensors 315 to 330 are respectively placed on the pipes. We also observe, in Figure 4, a meter 355, a union or flange connection 360 from the nominal diameter of 65 mm, a steel sleeve 365 for probe, a filter 370, a two-way valve 375, two screw-on T-connections 380 and 385, a threaded end piece 390 for safety valve and a union or flange connection 395 from the nominal diameter of 50 mm, for filter.All the elements illustrated in Figure 4 are supported by the vertical uprights 170, except for the heat exchanger 350, which is supported by the frame of its manufacturer, itself supported, for low powers, by the vertical uprights 170.

[0066] In the first configuration of a device 400, illustrated in figures 5 to 7: a base 405 provided with threaded openings 160, vertical uprights 170, legs 175 for fixing vertical uprights 170 and collars 210 for supporting pipes 270. A heat exchanger 480 is connected to pipes 270.

[0067] In the second configuration of a device 500, illustrated in figures 8 to 10, we find the elements constituting the device 400, the numerical references being incremented by 100: a base 505 provided with threaded openings 160, vertical uprights 170, legs 175 for fixing vertical uprights 170 and collars 210 for supporting pipes 270. A heat exchanger 580 is connected to pipes 270.

[0068] In the third configuration of a device 600, illustrated in figures 11 to 15, we find the elements constituting the device 400, the numerical references being incremented by 200: a base 605 provided with threaded openings 160, vertical uprights 170, feet 175 for fixing vertical uprights and collars 210 for supporting pipes 270. A heat exchanger 680 is connected to pipes 270. In this third configuration, a complementary base 606 also carries at least one foot 175 for fixing a vertical upright 170, to support at least one pipe 270.

[0069] Figure 15 shows a complete substation 700 which is the subject of the invention, comprising the device which is the subject of the invention, in its third configuration. In Figure 15, the pipes of the primary network are on the left and those of the secondary network are on the right. In addition to the elements illustrated in Figure 14, this substation 700 comprises:

[0070] - a 701 filter module on the primary network,

[0071] - a 702 valve on the secondary network,

[0072] - 703 thermometers, on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks,

[0073] - 704 probes, on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks,

[0074] - a 705 pressure gauge on the outlet of the 680 heat exchanger to the secondary network,

[0075] - a pressure gauge 706 on the inlet of the heat exchanger 680 from the primary network,

[0076] - 707 valves, in particular at each end of the pipes of each of the primary and secondary networks,

[0077] - a two-way valve (“V2V”) 708 on the inlet of the heat exchanger 680 from the primary network, and

[0078] - a 709 meter module on the output of the heat exchanger 680 to the primary network.

[0079] Figure 16 shows a second embodiment of a collar 211, the upper part 220 of which is that of the first embodiment of the collar 210 illustrated in Figure 3. On the other hand, the lower part 216 differs from the lower part 215 of the collar 210 in that the groove 240 is replaced by a succession of circular arcs 241 to 244 and 246 of decreasing diameters, corresponding to the standard diameters of the pipes used in district heating substations. For example, the diameters of the arcs are 76.4 mm, 60.3 mm, 48.3 mm, 42.4 mm and 33.7 mm. Thus, the pipes of standard diameter are better supported by the collar 211 than by the collar 210.

[0080] Figure 17 represents, in perspective, the components of a variant 610 of the third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, comprising collars 211, and vertical uprights 620 of greater height than the vertical uprights 170, to support, in addition to pipes, an electrical panel of the district heating substation. Figure 18 represents, in perspective, the components of a variant 410 of the third configuration of the device which is the subject of the invention, comprising collars 211, vertical uprights 420 of greater height than the vertical uprights 170 and horizontal uprights 425 connecting the vertical uprights 420 to support, in addition to pipes, an electrical panel of the district heating substation.

[0081] The two taller 420 vertical uprights are connected to each other by 425 steel plates. These two 420 vertical uprights are 750mm higher than the 170 vertical uprights to accommodate an electrical panel.

[0082] Figure 19 shows the device 410 illustrated in Figure 18, on which are mounted pipes 270 and a heat exchanger 480.

[0083] It is noted, by observing the figures, that the device which is the subject of the invention is configured to support the heat exchanger in a cantilevered manner, that is to say outside the convex volume delimited by the vertical uprights. The two-part collar is configured to accommodate and enclose pipes of different diameters.

[0084] It is also noted that the bases 405, 505 and 605 are identical, both in terms of construction and in terms of positioning of the threaded openings. Thus, during installation, the same base is compatible with each of the three configurations of the device and the substation which are the subject of the invention.

[0085] As can be understood from the above description, the present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art with a concept of substations according to several models all having the same basic diagram. This design makes it possible to adapt the substation according to the orientation of the existing networks. An adaptable chassis making it possible to accept the different models.

[0086] The modular design of the substations allows them to be sold and delivered in kit form for assembly directly in the reception area or on a skid without the need for a pipefitter / welder. A skid is a mobile chassis-type structure on which a set of equipment, piping and / or industrial materials is fixed. This makes it possible to transport a set of "ready-to-use" and already assembled functions rather than transporting them one by one and having to assemble them on site. This modular design also facilitates the replacement of components thanks to the interchangeability of the modules (repair, change of power, etc.). This design also allows assembly without the exchanger and / or meter, which reduces installation times. Each substation is designed to be compact once assembled, for example with a footprint of 0.68 m 2 at 1.5 m 2depending on the configurations. Maintenance is carried out at low cost, simply by changing the modules.

[0087] The invention also allows for retrofitting thanks to the interchangeability of the modules. For example, the collars are compatible with nominal diameters (“DN”) up to DN100, or 100 mm.

[0088] In this design, vertical uprights allow the substation to be adapted to the piping of different types of exchangers. The configurations include valves on the main piping of the secondary network.

[0089] Due to its construction, the device that is the subject of the invention can have a reduced selling price, for example divided by three for several of the configurations presented above. Its assembly is simple and quick: delivery is in kit form and the assembly of the substation by an installer or maintenance technician is carried out in less than three hours, thanks to instructions. The modular design allows:

[0090] - Low-cost maintenance, simply by changing the modules, and

[0091] - Retrofit thanks to the interchangeability of modules.

[0092] The design is designed to accommodate multiple heat exchanger capacities and accommodate different orientations. In addition, the highly compact design allows the substation to be adapted to any location. The components supported by the kit, including the base, vertical uprights, legs, and clamps, include:

[0093] - a heat exchanger,

[0094] - a filter,

[0095] - a pressure gauge on the primary circuit, and

[0096] - a pressure gauge on the secondary circuit.

[0097] Examples of heat exchanger power according to the configurations described above are given below: Configuration 1: PN = 16, exchanger power = 0 - 200 KW.

[0098] Configuration 2: PN = 16, exchanger power = 200 - 500 KW.

[0099] Configuration 3: PN = 16, Exchanger power = 500 - 1000 KW.

[0100] These mobile substations can have several sets: - Piping,

[0101] - Solenoid valve,

[0102] - Counter,

[0103] - Heat exchanger,

[0104] - Box and / or electrical panel, and - Chassis constituting the device which is the subject of the invention.

[0105] This chassis is capable of accepting several heat exchanger powers and several schematic diagrams. The kit chassis allows for simple assembly in just a few minutes. This optimizes transport costs and makes it possible to directly install the substations in confined spaces. The chassis is height-adjustable: thanks to the vertical uprights and clamps, the piping positioning can be adjusted in height. The clamps are configured to accept different pipe diameters. For example, they can accommodate pipes up to DN100.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device (400, 410, 500, 600, 610) for constructing a district heating substation, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one horizontal base (405, 505, 605, 606), - amounts (170, 420, 620), - a plurality of legs (175) for fixing uprights in a vertical position on a horizontal base, and - on at least one vertical upright, a collar (210, 211) configured to hold a pipe (270) in position.

2. Device (400, 500, 600) according to claim 1, in which at least one collar (210) comprises two flat and U-shaped parts (215, 220), a lower part (215) having a groove (240) having two oblique sides, inclined once the collar is mounted, at 45 degrees relative to the vertical, an upper part (220) having a semi-circular groove (245).

3. Device (410, 610) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which at least one collar (211) comprises two flat and U-shaped parts (216, 220), a lower part (216) having a groove (240) formed of circular arcs (241, 242, 243, 244, 246) of different diameters, an upper part (220) having a semi-circular groove (245).

4. Device (400, 410, 500, 600, 610) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which at least one base (405, 505, 605) comprises through holes (160) corresponding to at least two configurations of district heating substations.

5. Device (400, 410, 500, 600, 610) according to claim 4, in which the through holes (160) are tapped.

6. Device (600, 610) according to one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises at least two separate horizontal bases (605, 606).

7. Device (410, 610) according to one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises uprights (420, 620) of greater height than the other uprights (170) and configured to support an electrical panel.

8. District heating substation (700) for thermally connecting a primary network and a secondary network, which comprises: - a device (600) according to one of claims 1 to 7, - pipes (270) supported and held in position by collars (210, 211) of the device, and - a heat exchanger (680) supported by the device.

9. Substation (700) according to claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger (680) is cantilevered by the pipes supported by the collars (210, 211) of the device (600).

10. Substation (700) according to one of claims 8 or 9, which further comprises: - a filter module (701) on the primary network, - a valve (702) on the secondary network, - thermometers (703), on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks, - probes (704), on each of the inputs and outputs of the primary and secondary networks, - a pressure gauge (705) on the output of the heat exchanger (680) towards the secondary network, - a pressure gauge (706) on the inlet of the heat exchanger from the primary network, - valves (707) at each end of the pipes of each of the primary and secondary networks, - a two-way valve (708) on the heat exchanger inlet from the primary network, and - a meter module (709) on the heat exchanger output to the primary network.

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