Heat exchanger for an air-conditioning device for a rail-bound vehicle, air-conditioning device, and rail-bound vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (100), in particular for an air-conditioning device (10) for a rail-bound vehicle (1), comprising at least one refrigerant pipe (110) and a heat-exchange structure (120) through which air can flow. The heat exchanger (100) has at least one optical detection device (130) designed to detect a soiling state of the heat exchanger (100).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Heat exchanger for an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle, air conditioning unit and rail-guided vehicle.

[0003] The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular for an air conditioning unit for a track-guided vehicle, comprising at least one refrigerant pipe and a heat transfer structure through which air can flow.

[0004] The invention further relates to an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle for passenger transport, comprising such a heat exchanger or a heat exchanger further developed as described below.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a track-guided vehicle for passenger transport, comprising at least one heat exchanger of this type or further developed as described below and / or at least one air conditioning unit of this type or further developed as described below.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product which is to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to a digital twin of such a heat exchanger or a heat exchanger further developed as described below, of such an air conditioning unit further developed as described below, or of such a track-guided vehicle further developed as described below.

[0009] Heat exchangers in air conditioning units on track-guided vehicles, such as rail vehicles, have a high air throughput in their inner areas (e.g. air handling unit) and outer areas (e.g. cooling area). The air contains dust and dirt particles which accumulate in the heat exchanger over time, dirtying it and slowly clogging it. Condensation occurs in the area of ​​the inner heat exchanger during the cooling process. This condensation also binds the dirt and stubborn deposits / soiling occur. Even the upstream filter cannot completely stop this contamination process, it can only slow it down. In the area of ​​the outer heat exchanger, the air throughput is about 10 times higher and there are often no filters upstream in the air stream. The heat exchangers in the outer area are also exposed to dirt and rain.

[0010] Such contamination effectively reduces the air flow rate through the heat exchanger. Along with a reduction in air flow rate, heat transfer is also reduced. Furthermore, the dirt creates additional thermal resistance, which negatively impacts the heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger depending on the layer thickness and thermal conductivity. The heat exchangers lose efficiency and thus power, and the entire cooling or heating process becomes less effective.

[0011] Until now, maintenance and cleaning intervals for heat exchangers have been determined based on experience. During maintenance, at most, a visual inspection can be performed. Detection of the degree of contamination varies depending on the inspecting personnel. Cleaning is often carried out too late, as a visual inspection fails to detect minor contamination on the surface of the heat exchanger. Once the cleaning interval has been reached, the heat exchangers are then cleaned of contamination using high-pressure water jets / steam.

[0012] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a heat exchanger which has improved maintainability.

[0013] This problem is solved by the heat exchanger of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by the air conditioning unit according to claim 5 and the track-guided vehicle according to claim 11. Furthermore, the problem is solved by the method according to claim 15, the computer program product according to claim 24, the computer-readable recording medium, and the digital twin according to claim 26.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0015] According to the invention, a heat exchanger is provided, in particular for an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle. The heat exchanger comprises at least one refrigerant pipe and a heat transfer structure through which air can flow. The heat exchanger further comprises at least one optical detection device configured to detect a contamination state of the heat exchanger.

[0016] According to the invention, an air conditioning device is further provided which has at least one such heat exchanger or one further developed as described below.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, a track-guided vehicle of the

[0018] Passenger transport is provided, comprising at least one such heat exchanger or one further developed as described below or at least one such air conditioning unit or one further developed as described below.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for operating a heat exchanger, in particular for an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle. The air conditioning unit comprises at least one refrigerant pipe and a heat transfer structure through which air can flow. The heat exchanger has at least one optical detection device that detects a contamination state of the heat exchanger.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, a computer program product is provided which is to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit for a track-guided vehicle or in a computer of a track-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning unit, wherein the computer program product, when executed, causes the computer to carry out such a method or a method further developed as described below.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention, a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded is provided. When implemented in an air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle, the computer program product is suitable for causing a computer of the air conditioning unit for a rail-guided vehicle or a computer of the rail-guided vehicle with such an air conditioning unit to carry out such a method or a method further developed as described below.

[0022] According to the invention, a digital twin of such a heat exchanger or a heat exchanger further developed as described below, of such an air conditioning unit further developed as described below, or of such a rail-guided vehicle further developed as described below is further provided, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the heat exchanger, the air conditioning unit or the rail-guided vehicle.

[0023] According to the invention, the heat exchanger is monitored by means of at least one optical detection device. The at least one optical detection device is designed to detect a contamination state of the heat exchanger.

[0024] The at least one optical detection device is designed, for example, as a sensor or camera. Various sensors already known from industrial processes can be used (e.g., fluorescence sensors, sCMOS image sensors, VSPI-4 F2111, IDC).

[0025] By providing an optical detection device, it is possible to detect a contamination condition from the interior of the heat exchanger.

[0026] This makes it possible to improve the maintainability of the heat exchanger, since the maintenance time can be determined based on the contamination level.

[0027] The refrigerant pipe is connected to the heat transfer structure through which air can flow, so that the latter can better transfer the heat (or cold) of a fluid circulating in the refrigerant pipe to the air.

[0028] The track-guided vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle or a magnetic levitation train, preferably for passenger transport. The heat exchanger and / or the air conditioning unit can be part of an air conditioning system.

[0029] The track-guided vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle or a magnetic levitation train, preferably for passenger transport.

[0030] In the design of the heat exchanger, it can be provided that the optical detection device is directed at at least a partial area of ​​the heat transfer structure in order to detect the contamination state of the heat transfer structure.

[0031] In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the optical detection device is directed at at least a partial area of ​​the heat transfer structure and detects the contamination state of the heat transfer structure.

[0032] This makes it possible to detect a contamination condition in a defined area of ​​the heat exchanger, namely the heat transfer structure.

[0033] In this case, the at least one optical detection device can be specifically directed at at least one partial area of ​​the heat transfer structure in which the contamination state is particularly relevant.

[0034] It is also possible for the at least one optical detection device to detect the contamination state of the entire heat transfer structure.

[0035] In a further development of the heat exchanger, it can be provided that the heat exchanger is a condenser. It can be provided that, if the at least one heat exchanger is arranged in air conditioning units of track-guided vehicles, such as rail vehicles, the heat exchanger is arranged in the interior of the track-guided vehicle. In this case, the heat exchanger is part of an air handler part for the supply air, which is supplied to an interior, in particular a passenger compartment of the track-guided vehicle. The heat exchanger can also be arranged outside the track-guided vehicle, for example if it is used to generate cold (air conditioning operation) or heat (heat pump operation).

[0036] In the design of the heat exchanger, it can be provided that the heat transfer structure comprises a plurality of fins.

[0037] This provides an increased surface area for heat transfer.

[0038] However, it is also possible that the heat transfer structure has a different geometric shape, which serves to provide a heat transfer structure with a large surface area.

[0039] In an embodiment of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit comprises an evaluation device which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device of the heat exchanger, and wherein the evaluation device is designed to determine a contamination state of the heat exchanger, in particular to determine the contamination state of the heat transfer structure. In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the air conditioning unit has an evaluation device which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device of the heat exchanger, and wherein the evaluation device determines a contamination state of the heat exchanger, in particular a contamination state of the heat transfer structure.

[0040] This makes it possible for the contamination level to be determined by an evaluation device. In this way, the contamination level detected by the optical detection device is evaluated.

[0041] In an advantageous development of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the evaluation device is designed to determine a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger, in particular of the heat transfer structure.

[0042] In an advantageous development of the method, it can be provided that the evaluation device determines a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger, in particular of the heat transfer structure.

[0043] This makes it possible to determine a quantitative value of the contamination state of the heat transfer, in particular the heat transfer structure, which allows to make a quantitative statement about the efficiency loss of the heat exchanger.

[0044] In the design of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the optical detection device is designed to continuously detect the contamination level and / or the evaluation device is designed to continuously determine the contamination level.

[0045] In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the optical detection device continuously detects the contamination state and / or the evaluation device continuously determines the contamination state.

[0046] This makes it possible to determine the level of contamination at any time.

[0047] In an advantageous further development of the air conditioning unit, the evaluation device can be designed to document the contamination level.

[0048] In an advantageous further development of the method, it can be provided that the evaluation device documents the contamination status.

[0049] This makes it possible to determine the course of pollution levels over time. It is possible to identify specific periods in which pollution levels changed particularly quickly or slowly. Likewise, in conjunction with a positioning system such as GPS, Galileo, etc., it is possible to identify locations where pollution levels changed particularly quickly or slowly.

[0050] Furthermore, in a further development, the evaluation unit may be configured to predict a contamination level. In a further development, the method may provide for a contamination level to be predicted by the evaluation unit.

[0051] In the design of the air conditioning unit, it can be provided that the evaluation device is set up to compare the pollution level with a limit value and to output a signal if the limit value is exceeded.

[0052] In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the evaluation device compares the contamination level with a limit value and emits a signal if the limit value is exceeded.

[0053] This makes it possible for the signal to be output when a certain degree of contamination is exceeded (limit value of the contamination state).

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of the track-guided vehicle, it can be provided that the track-guided vehicle has a central control device which is operatively connected to the at least one evaluation device.

[0055] This makes it possible for the degree of contamination (e) determined by the at least one evaluation device to be recorded centrally in a central control device of the track-guided vehicle.

[0056] In a further development of the rail-guided vehicle, it can be provided that the central control device is configured to receive the signal output by the evaluation device and to generate a maintenance notification. In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that a central control device of the rail vehicle receives the signal output by the evaluation device and generates a maintenance notification.

[0057] This makes it possible for a vehicle driver or maintenance personnel to record one or more maintenance notifications centrally.

[0058] In an embodiment of the track-guided vehicle, it can be provided that the track-guided vehicle has a display device which is designed to output the maintenance message.

[0059] In an embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the track-guided vehicle has a display device which outputs the maintenance message.

[0060] The indicator device can be, for example, a screen or display. It can also be designed as a light (such as an LED light) that illuminates or changes its color upon receipt of the maintenance notification.

[0061] This ensures that a driver of the track-guided vehicle or maintenance personnel can perceive the maintenance message.

[0062] It is also possible for the maintenance notification to be transmitted via a data transmission system of the track-guided vehicle, so that it can be received and processed by a receiving device that is not part of the track-guided vehicle. All configurations of the heat exchanger, the air conditioning unit, and / or the track-guided vehicle apply equally to the method.

[0063] The invention will now be explained using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0064] It shows :

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a track-guided vehicle according to the invention with an air conditioning unit according to the invention with at least one heat exchanger according to the invention;

[0066] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an air conditioning unit according to the invention with at least one heat exchanger according to the invention; and

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the method according to the invention for operating a heat exchanger, in particular for an air conditioning unit for a track-guided vehicle.

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a track-guided vehicle 1 according to the invention with an air conditioning unit 1 according to the invention with at least one heat exchanger 1 according to the invention.

[0069] The track-guided vehicle 1 is a track-guided vehicle for passenger transport, such as a rail vehicle. The track-guided vehicle 1 comprises at least one air conditioning unit 10. The air conditioning unit 10 is designed to condition an interior 2 of the track-guided vehicle 1.

[0070] The air conditioning unit 10 comprises at least one heat exchanger 100.

[0071] The at least one heat exchanger 100 can be arranged inside the track-guided vehicle 1 and / or outside the track-guided vehicle 1.

[0072] If the at least one heat exchanger 100 is arranged inside the rail-guided vehicle, the heat exchanger 100 is part of an air treatment section of the air conditioning system for the supply air supplied to an interior 2, in particular a passenger compartment, of the rail-guided vehicle 1. Likewise, the heat exchanger 100 can be arranged outside the rail-guided vehicle 1, for example, if it serves to generate cooling (air conditioning operation) or heat (heat pump operation).

[0073] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an air conditioning unit 10 according to the invention with at least one heat exchanger 100 according to the invention.

[0074] The heat exchanger 100 is designed according to the exemplary embodiment for an air conditioning unit 10 for a track-guided vehicle 1.

[0075] The heat exchanger 100 comprises at least one refrigerant pipe 110 and a heat transfer structure 120 through which air L can flow. The heat exchanger 100 comprises at least one optical detection device 130 which is configured to detect a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100.

[0076] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the optical detection device 130 is directed at at least a partial area of ​​the heat transfer structure 120 in order to detect the contamination state of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0077] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 can be designed as a condenser.

[0078] The heat transfer structure 120 has, for example, a plurality of fins.

[0079] The air conditioning unit 10 comprises an evaluation device 200 which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device 130 of the heat exchanger 100.

[0080] The evaluation device 200 is configured to determine a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100, in particular to determine the contamination state of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0081] The evaluation device 200 is further configured to determine a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100, in particular of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0082] The optical detection device 130 is configured to continuously detect the contamination level and / or the evaluation device 200 is configured to continuously determine the contamination level. The evaluation device 200 is configured to document the contamination level.

[0083] The evaluation device 200 is designed to compare the contamination level with a limit value and to output a signal S if the limit value is exceeded.

[0084] The track-guided vehicle 1 has a central control device 20 which is operatively connected to the at least one evaluation device 200.

[0085] The central control device 20 is configured to receive the signal S output by the evaluation device 200 and to generate a maintenance message WM.

[0086] The track-guided vehicle 1 has a display device 300 which is designed to output the maintenance message WM.

[0087] In Fig. 3, the method according to the invention for operating a heat exchanger 100, in particular for an air conditioning unit 10 for a track-guided vehicle 1, is shown in a schematic representation.

[0088] As already explained above, the heat exchanger 100 comprises at least one refrigerant pipe 110 and a heat transfer structure 120 through which air can flow.

[0089] The heat exchanger 100 comprises at least the optical detection device 130, which, according to the method, detects a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100. The optical detection device 130 is directed at at least a partial region of the heat transfer structure 120 and, according to the method, detects the contamination state of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0090] As already described above, the air conditioning unit 10 has the evaluation device 200, which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device 130 of the heat exchanger 100.

[0091] According to the method, the evaluation device 200 determines a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100, in particular a contamination state of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the method, it is provided that the evaluation device 200 and / or the central control device 20 of the track-guided vehicle 1 determines a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger 100, in particular of the heat transfer structure 120.

[0093] According to the method, the optical detection device 130 continuously detects the contamination state and / or the evaluation device 200 continuously determines the contamination state.

[0094] According to the method, it is provided that the evaluation device 200 and / or the central control device 20 of the track-guided vehicle 1 documents the contamination state.

[0095] Furthermore, the method provides that the evaluation device 200 and / or the central control device 20 of the track-guided vehicle 1 compares the contamination state with a limit value and outputs a signal S if the limit value is exceeded.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the method, it is provided that the central control device 20 of the rail vehicle 1 receives the signal S output by the evaluation device 200 and generates a maintenance message WM.

[0097] The method further provides that the track-guided vehicle 1 has the display device 300, which outputs the maintenance message WM.

[0098] Although the process steps are shown and described sequentially, they can be carried out in any order by omitting individual process steps.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the invention, a computer program product is provided which is to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit 10 or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle 1 with such an air conditioning unit 1, wherein the computer program product, when executed, causes the computer to carry out the method for operating the air conditioning unit 10 described above with reference to Fig. 3.

[0100] Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program product is recorded is provided. The computer program product is suitable, when executed in an air conditioning unit 10 for a rail-guided vehicle, in a computer of the air conditioning unit 10 for a rail-guided vehicle 1 or in a computer of the rail-guided vehicle 1 with such an air conditioning unit 10, for causing the method for operating the ventilation system 10 described above with reference to Fig. 3 to be carried out. Finally, a digital twin of the air conditioning unit 10 or of the rail-guided vehicle 1 is provided, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the air conditioning unit 10 or a digitized image of the rail-guided vehicle 1.

[0101] The above disclosure applies equally to the heat exchanger 100, as well as to a rail-guided vehicle 1 comprising at least one air conditioning unit 10 configured as described above. Likewise, the above disclosure can also relate to an individual carriage of a rail-guided vehicle 1.

[0102] Finally, it should be mentioned that the features of all the above-described embodiments can be combined with one another in any desired manner to form further alternative embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, all features of subclaims can be combined individually with any feature of any other claim, either individually or in any desired combination, to obtain further alternative embodiments.

[0103] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of an embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0104] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Heat exchanger (100), in particular for an air conditioning unit (10) for a track-guided vehicle (1), comprising at least one refrigerant pipe (110) and a heat transfer structure (120) through which air can flow, characterized in that the heat exchanger (100) comprises at least one optical detection device (130) which is designed to detect a contamination state of the heat exchanger (100).

2. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical detection device (130) is directed at at least a partial area of the heat transfer structure (120) for detecting the contamination state of the heat transfer structure (120).

3. Heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat exchanger (100) is a condenser.

4. Heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat transfer structure (120) comprises a plurality of fins.

5. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) comprises at least one heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Air conditioning unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) comprises an evaluation device (200) which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device (130) of the heat exchanger (100), and wherein the evaluation device (200) is designed to determine a contamination state of the Heat exchanger (100), in particular for determining the contamination state of the heat transfer structure (120).

7. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) is designed to determine a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger (100), in particular of the heat transfer structure (120).

8. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the optical detection device (130) is designed to continuously detect the contamination state and / or the evaluation device (200) is designed to continuously determine the contamination state.

9. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) is designed to document the contamination state.

10. Air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) is designed to compare the contamination level with a limit value and to output a signal (S) when the limit value is exceeded.

11. A track-guided vehicle (1) for passenger transport, comprising at least one heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4 or at least one air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Track-guided vehicle (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the track-guided vehicle (1) has a central control device (20) which is operatively connected to the at least one evaluation device (200).

13. Track-guided vehicle (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the central control device (20) is configured to receive the signal (S) output by the evaluation device (200) and to generate a maintenance message (WM).

14. A track-guided vehicle (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the track-guided vehicle (1) has a display device (300) which is configured to output the maintenance message (WM).

15. Method for operating a heat exchanger (100), in particular for an air conditioning unit (10) for a track-guided vehicle (1), comprising at least one refrigerant pipe (110) and a heat transfer structure (120) through which air can flow, characterized in that the heat exchanger (100) has at least one optical detection device (130) which detects a contamination state of the heat exchanger (100).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the optical detection device (130) is directed at at least a partial area of the heat transfer structure (120) and detects the contamination state of the heat transfer structure (120).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the air conditioning unit (10) has an evaluation device (200) which is operatively connected to the at least one optical detection device (130) of the heat exchanger (100), and wherein the evaluation device (200) determines a contamination state of the heat exchanger (100), in particular a contamination state of the heat transfer structure (120).

18. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) determines a thickness of a deposit layer as a contamination state of the heat exchanger (100), in particular of the heat transfer structure (120).

19. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the optical detection device (130) continuously detects the contamination state and / or the evaluation device (200) continuously determines the contamination state.

20. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) documents the contamination state.

21. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the evaluation device (200) determines the contamination state compares with a limit value and outputs a signal (S) when the limit value is exceeded.

22. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a central control device (20) of the rail vehicle (1) receives the signal (S) output by the evaluation device (200) and generates a maintenance message (WM).

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the track-guided vehicle (1) has a display device (300) which outputs the maintenance message (WM).

24. A computer program product to be used in a computer of an air conditioning unit (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1) or in a computer of a rail-guided vehicle (1) with such an air conditioning unit (10), wherein the computer program product, when executed, causes the computer to carry out a method according to any one of claims 15 to 23.

25. Computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program product is recorded, characterized in that the computer program product, when executed in an air conditioning unit (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1), is suitable for causing a method according to one of claims 15 to 23 to be carried out in a computer of the air conditioning unit (10) for a rail-guided vehicle (1) or in a computer of the rail-guided vehicle (1) with such an air conditioning unit (10).

26. Digital twin of a heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, of an air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 5 to 10 or of a track- vehicle (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, the air conditioning unit (10) according to one of claims 5 to 10 or the track-guided vehicle (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14.

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