Combined system for heating and air conditioning a home

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined system (10) for heating and cooling a dwelling, the system (10) comprising at least one heating appliance (12) and one cooling appliance (82) through which a heat transfer fluid flows, a heating device (64), and a control device which is designed to alternately control said combined system (10) in a heating mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the heating appliance (12) and the heating device (64) via a heating circuit (62), or in a cooling mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the cooling appliance (82) and the heating appliance (12) via a cooling circuit (86). Abstract figure: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Combined system for heating and air conditioning a home Field of invention

[0001] The present patent application relates to the field of heating and air conditioning of a home. State of the art

[0002] To ensure an adequate temperature in a home throughout the year, it is common to equip this home with a heating and air conditioning unit.

[0003] Pellet stoves, also called pellet stoves, are known as heating appliances.

[0004] Pellet stoves are designed to heat quickly and efficiently using renewable energy, wood pellets.

[0005] These are small cylindrical sticks resulting from the compaction of sawmill residues, such as sawdust and shavings.

[0006] This fuel, once loaded into the stove, is transported to the combustion chamber by means of a worm screw system, which controls the speed and quantity according to the desired heating power.

[0007] The fire is usually lit using an electric resistance, and a fan provides the right amount of oxygen needed for combustion.

[0008] The heat is released by natural convection or by another fan.

[0009] Pellet boiler stoves, also called thermo-stoves, are also known. pellets or pellet hydro stoves.

[0010] A pellet boiler stove is a pellet stove that is equipped with a heat exchanger.

[0011] The heat exchanger is crossed by a heat transfer fluid which absorbs the calories supplied by the heating body of the boiler stove.

[0012] Also, the heat exchanger of the boiler stove is connected to a heating device via a heating circuit, so that part of the calories supplied by the boiler stove are transmitted to the heating device.

[0013] The heating device is for example a central heating system which includes radiators, underfloor heating and a buffer tank for storing domestic hot water.

[0014] Regarding the air conditioning of a home, it is known to use refrigeration equipment of the air conditioner type, capable of cooling a room to the required temperature.

[0015] For this purpose, the air conditioner draws air from the room in which it is located, cools it thanks to a compressor and redistributes cold air.

[0016] It will be understood that equipping a home with an air conditioner and a heating device capable of supplying central heating represents a high cost.

[0017] In addition, a compressor-type air conditioner can cause noise pollution if it is installed in a living room. Statement of the invention

[0018] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by eliminating the disadvantages of the cited prior art, by providing a combined system for heating and air conditioning a dwelling.

[0019] This objective, as well as others which will appear on reading the following description, is achieved with a combined system for heating and air conditioning a home, the system comprising at least:

[0020] - a heating apparatus which comprises a heating body and a first exchanger thermal which is crossed by a heat transfer fluid and which is designed to absorb the calories supplied by the heating body,

[0021] - a heating device, and - a heating circuit which connects the first heat exchanger of the heating appliance to the heating device, to supply the heating device with calories, said system being characterized in that it comprises at least:

[0022] - a cooling apparatus comprising a second heat exchanger which is crossed by a heat transfer fluid and which is designed to absorb the cold provided by said cooling device,

[0023] - a cooling circuit which connects the second heat exchanger of the device cooling on the heater,

[0024] - a control device which is designed to alternatively control said combined system in a heating mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the heating appliance and the heating device via the heating circuit, or in an air conditioning mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the cooling appliance and the heating appliance via the cooling circuit.

[0025] Thus, the invention provides a combined system for heating and air conditioning a home, whereby the heating appliance performs a dual heating and air conditioning function.

[0026] Also, the combined system according to the invention makes it possible to limit the number of devices in a home while reducing the cost of an installation which combines heating and air conditioning.

[0027] According to other optional characteristics of the invention, taken alone or in com- combination:

[0028] - the cooling circuit connects the second heat exchanger of the re cooling on the first heat exchanger that equips the heating appliance, and an air extractor equips the heating appliance and is adapted to blow air cooled or heated by the first heat exchanger, outside the heating appliance. This feature allows a single heat exchanger to be used to transmit cold or heat, depending on whether the system adopts an air conditioning mode or a heating mode;

[0029] - the cooling circuit connects the second heat exchanger of the re cooling on a third heat exchanger which is mounted on the heating appliance, and an air extractor equips the heating appliance and is adapted to blow air cooled by said third heat exchanger, outside the heating appliance. This feature makes it possible to separate the cooling circuit from the heating circuit and makes it possible to dedicate the third exchanger to air cooling;

[0030] - the heating appliance is a pellet boiler stove which comprises a chamber combustion forming said heating body;

[0031] - the first heat exchanger is a pipe comprising an exchange portion which extends inside the heating body of the heating appliance;

[0032] - the cooling apparatus is a freezer which comprises a compartment intended for storing frozen products. Thus, the cooling device performs a food freezing function and an air conditioning function;

[0033] - the heating device comprises at least one radiator;

[0034] - the heating device comprises at least one buffer tank suitable for storing domestic hot water;

[0035] - the heating device comprises: an air inlet duct which is connected to the heating body to supply the heating body with combustion air, and an exhaust duct which is connected to the air inlet duct and which is intended to channel the heat transfer fluid outside the gravity heating appliance, in the event of a leak from the first heat exchanger inside the heating body;

[0036] - the exhaust duct is equipped with a non-return valve which is provided for to allow the evacuation of the heat transfer fluid in a first direction, i.e. from the inside to the outside of the heating appliance, and to prevent the entry of air in a second opposite direction, i.e. from the outside to the inside of the heating appliance. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0038] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of the combined system comprising an apparatus of heating equipped with a single heat exchanger, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] is a schematic side sectional view of the heating apparatus of [Fig.l], according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.3] is a schematic front view of the heating apparatus of [Fig.l], according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the combined system comprising a heating apparatus equipped with two heat exchangers, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0042] In the description and the claims, the expressions "upper" and "lower" will be adopted without limitation with reference to the upper part and the lower part respectively of [Fig.l].

[0043] Throughout these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs.

[0044] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0045] [Fig.l] shows a combined system 10 for heating and air conditioning a home, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The combined system 10 comprises a heating appliance 12 which is, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pellet boiler stove.

[0047] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the heating apparatus 12 comprises a heating body 14 which is formed by a combustion chamber.

[0048] The heating body 14 is delimited by peripheral walls and by a transparent door 16 visible in [Fig.3].

[0049] In addition, the heating body 14 comprises a crucible 18 which is supplied with granules 20, or pellets, via a supply channel 22 which is connected to a pellet reservoir 24.

[0050] The tank 24 is equipped with an endless screw 26 which conveys the granules 20 from the tank 24 to the feed channel 22, progressively and at a controlled speed.

[0051] The fire is ignited in the crucible 18 by means of a spark plug 28 which is controlled by an electronic control unit 30.

[0052] Fresh air is taken from outside the heating apparatus 12 and is conveyed to the crucible 18 through an air inlet duct 32 provided for this purpose.

[0053] Preferably, the air inlet duct 32 is equipped with a fan (not re- presented) which regulates the flow of fresh air supplying the crucible 18.

[0054] A smoke evacuation duct 34 extends from an upper part of the heating body 14 to a smoke outlet orifice 36 which is provided on a rear face 38 of the heating appliance 12.

[0055] The outlet orifice 36 is preferably connected to the exterior of the dwelling by a chimney (not shown).

[0056] The exhaust duct 34 is equipped with a soot recovery tray 40 and a smoke extractor 42.

[0057] Also, the heating apparatus 12 comprises a first heat exchanger 44 through which passes a heat transfer fluid (visible in [Fig.l]) and which is designed to absorb the calories supplied by the heating body 14.

[0058] For this purpose, the first exchanger 44 is a pipe comprising an exchange portion 48 which extends inside the heating body 14, opposite the door 16 of the heating appliance 12, and above the crucible 18.

[0059] The first exchanger 44 is made of a material which is heat resistant and which promotes the diffusion of heat, such as copper for example.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 3], the first exchanger 44 comprises an inlet section 50 which extends through an inlet orifice 52 provided in a lower part of the heating body 14 and an outlet section 54 which extends through an outlet orifice 56 provided in an upper part of the heating body 14.

[0061] The exchange portion 48 of the first exchanger 44 has a serpentine shape which has a large exchange surface inside the heating body 14.

[0062] Also, the heating apparatus 12 is equipped with an air extractor 58 which is mounted in a tunnel 60 arranged above the heating body 14.

[0063] With reference to [Fig.l], still according to the first embodiment of the invention, the combined system 10 comprises a heating circuit 62 which connects the first heat exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12 to a heating device 64, to supply the heating device 64 with calories.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heating device 64 comprises a buffer tank 66 adapted to store domestic hot water, also called a domestic hot water tank.

[0065] The tank 66 is connected to the heating circuit 62 by an inlet conduit 68 which is tapped into an outlet conduit 70 of the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12.

[0066] Conversely, the tank 66 is connected to the heating circuit 62 by an outlet conduit 72 which is tapped into an inlet conduit 74 of the first exchanger 44.

[0067] Preferably, the tank 66 is equipped with an exchanger (not shown) which allows the heat transfer liquid of the heating circuit 62 to transmit calories to the liquid contained in the balloon 66, without these two fluids mixing.

[0068] In addition, the heating device 64 comprises a radiator 76 which is supplied with fluid heated by the tank 66 via an inlet conduit 78 and an outlet conduit 80.

[0069] Without limitation, the heating device 64 may comprise a radiator which is directly supplied with heat transfer fluid by the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12.

[0070] Also, a pump (not shown) is mounted on the inlet duct 68 upstream of the tank 66 and another pump (not shown) is mounted on the inlet duct 78 upstream of the radiator 76, to ensure the circulation of the heat transfer fluid. Still according to [Fig.l], the combined system 10 comprises a cooling apparatus 82 which is equipped with a second heat exchanger 84 crossed by the heat transfer fluid.

[0071] The second heat exchanger 84 is designed to absorb the cold provided by the cooling apparatus 82 and transmit it to the heating apparatus 12.

[0072] For this purpose, the combined system 10 comprises a cooling circuit 86 which connects the second heat exchanger 84 of the cooling apparatus 82 to the first heat exchanger 44 which equips the heating apparatus 12.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling apparatus 82 is a freezer which comprises a compartment 88 provided for storing food products.

[0074] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the cooling apparatus 82 is connected to the cooling circuit 86 by an inlet conduit 90 which communicates with the outlet conduit 70 of the first exchanger 44 of the heating apparatus 12, and by an outlet conduit 92 which communicates with the inlet conduit 74 of the first exchanger 44.

[0075] In addition, the combined system 10 comprises a filling circuit 94 for the heat transfer fluid which makes it possible to fill and drain the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86 with heat transfer fluid.

[0076] For this purpose, the filling circuit 94 comprises a reservoir 96 which contains the heat transfer fluid.

[0077] The reservoir 96 is connected to the inlet conduit 74 of the first exchanger 44 by a first upstream conduit 98 and by a second downstream conduit 100, according to the direction of flow of the heat transfer fluid.

[0078] In addition, the second conduit 100 is equipped with a pump 102 which makes it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid and to ensure the pressurization of the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86.

[0079] The filling circuit 94 comprises a valve 103 which is mounted on the inlet conduit 74, between the first conduit 98 and the second conduit 100, and which is closed at during filling or emptying of the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86, and which is closed during normal operation of the system 10.

[0080] Similarly, the first conduit 98 and the second conduit 100 are each equipped with a valve 104, 106 respectively, which are open to allow the filling or emptying of the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86, and which are closed during normal operation of the system 10.

[0081] Also, a safety pipe 108 connects the heating device 12 to the tank 96. To maintain a constant pressure in the heating circuit 62 and in the cooling circuit 86, and to compensate for variations in the volume of the heat transfer fluid which varies according to its temperature, the system 10 comprises an expansion tank 110.

[0082] The expansion tank 110 is interposed between the outlet duct 70 and the inlet duct 74 of the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12.

[0083] Also, a pump 112 is arranged upstream of the expansion tank 110 to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the first exchanger 44, the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86.

[0084] Additionally, a control device is provided for alternately controlling the combined system 10 in a heating mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the heating apparatus 12 and the heating device 64 via the heating circuit 62, or in an air conditioning mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the cooling apparatus 82 and the heating apparatus 12 via the cooling circuit 86.

[0085] For this purpose, the control device comprises a heating mode activation valve 116 which is interposed between the expansion tank 110 and the inlet duct 74 of the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12, an air conditioning mode activation valve 118 which is interposed between the expansion tank 110 and the inlet duct 90 of the second exchanger 84 of the cooling appliance 82 and a valve 122 for opening and closing the cooling circuit 86 which is interposed between the outlet duct 92 of the second exchanger 84 and the inlet duct 74 of the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12.

[0086] Thus, when the system 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention is controlled in a heating mode, the heat transfer fluid circulates between the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12 and the heating device 64, the heat transfer fluid captures the calories provided by the combustion of the pellets 20, then transmits them to the heating device 64 which heats the dwelling and / or the tank 66.

[0087] Conversely, when the system 10 is controlled in an air conditioning mode, the heat transfer fluid circulates between the first exchanger 44 of the heating appliance 12 and the second exchanger 88 of the cooling appliance 82, so that the heat transfer fluid the carrier cools the first exchanger 44.

[0088] In addition, the air extractor 58 which equips the heating device 12 expels the air which is in the tunnel 60.

[0089] The first exchanger 44 being arranged in the vicinity of the tunnel 60, the air expelled by the air extractor 58 is heated by the first exchanger 44 when the system 10 is in heating mode, and conversely, when the system 10 is in air conditioning mode, the air expelled by the air extractor 58 is cooled by the first exchanger 44.

[0090] It will be noted that the heat transfer fluid is a liquid which has a high boiling threshold, for example at least 180 degrees Celsius, and a high freezing threshold as well, for example minus 150 degrees Celsius.

[0091] For this purpose, the heat transfer fluid contains, for example, glycol.

[0092] According to another aspect of the invention, with reference to [Fig.2], the heating appliance 12 comprises an evacuation duct 126 which is connected to the air inlet duct 32 and which is provided to channel the heat transfer fluid by gravity from the heating body 14, to the outside of the heating appliance 12, in the event of a leak from the first heat exchanger 44 inside the heating body 14.

[0093] For this purpose, the exhaust duct 126 is connected to the air inlet duct 32 by a T-connector 128.

[0094] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the discharge conduit 126 is connected to the heat transfer fluid reservoir 96.

[0095] In addition, the discharge duct 126 is equipped with a non-return valve 130 which is provided to allow the discharge of the heat transfer fluid in a first direction, i.e. from the inside to the outside of the heating appliance 12, and to prevent the entry of air in a second opposite direction, i.e. from the outside to the inside of the heating appliance 12.

[0096] [Fig.4] illustrates the combined system 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the first embodiment of the invention described previously.

[0097] Therefore, the common parts have the same reference numbers and are not described again.

[0098] According to the second embodiment, the heating circuit 62 and the cooling circuit 86 are distinct and isolated from each other.

[0099] Also, the heating apparatus 12 comprises a third heat exchanger 132 which is connected to the second exchanger 84 of the cooling apparatus 82 by the cooling circuit 86.

[0100] In an air conditioning mode of the system 10, the air extractor 58 which equips the heating appliance 12 blows air towards the outside of the heating appliance 12, air which in the passage is cooled by the third exchanger 132.

[0101] Complementarily, a control device is provided for alternately controlling the combined system 10 in a heating mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the heating apparatus 12 and the heating device 64 via the heating circuit 62, or in an air conditioning mode in which a heat transfer fluid circulates between the cooling apparatus 82 and the heating apparatus 12 via the cooling circuit 86.

[0102] For this purpose, the control device comprises a heating mode activation valve 116 which is mounted on the heating circuit 62 and an air conditioning mode activation valve 118 which is mounted on the cooling circuit 86.

[0103] Furthermore, to allow the pressurization and circulation of the heat transfer fluid through the heating circuit 62, the latter is equipped with a circulation pump 134 and an expansion tank 136.

[0104] Similarly, the cooling circuit 86 is equipped with a circulation pump 138 and an expansion tank 140.

[0105] Advantageously, the invention proposes a combined system 10 for heating and air conditioning a home, thanks to which the heating appliance 12, here a boiler stove, fulfills a dual heating and air conditioning function.

[0106] Similarly, the cooling apparatus 82 performs a food product freezing function and an air conditioning function.

[0107] Thus, the system 10 according to the invention makes it possible to limit the number of devices in a home while reducing the cost of an installation which combines heating and air conditioning.

[0108] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Combined system (10) for heating and air conditioning a home, the system (10) comprising at least: a heating appliance (12) which comprises a heating body (14) and a first heat exchanger (44) through which a heat transfer fluid passes and which is designed to absorb the calories supplied by the heating body (14), - a heating device (64), and a heating circuit (62) which connects the first heat exchanger (44) of the heating appliance (12) to the heating device (64), to supply the heating device (64) with calories, said system (10) being characterized in that it comprises at least: - a cooling appliance (82) comprising a second heat exchanger (84) through which a heat transfer fluid passes and which is designed to absorb the cold supplied by said cooling appliance (82),- a cooling circuit (86) which connects the second heat exchanger (84) of the cooling apparatus (82) to the heating apparatus (12), - a control device which is designed to alternately control said combined system (10) in a heating mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the heating apparatus (12) and the heating device (64) via the heating circuit (62), or in an air conditioning mode in which the heat transfer fluid circulates between the cooling apparatus (82) and the heating apparatus (12) via the cooling circuit (86).,

2. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling circuit (86) connects the second heat exchanger (84) of the cooling apparatus (82) to the first heat exchanger (44) which equips the heating apparatus (12), and in that an air extractor (58) equips the heating apparatus (12) and is adapted to blow air cooled or heated by the first heat exchanger (44), outside the heating apparatus (12).

3. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling circuit (86) connects the second heat exchanger (84) of the cooling apparatus (82) to a third heat exchanger (132) which is mounted on the heating appliance (12), and in that an air extractor (58) equips the heating appliance (12) and is adapted to blow air cooled by said third heat exchanger (132), outside the heating appliance (12).

4. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating appliance (12) is a pellet boiler stove which comprises a combustion chamber forming said heating body (14).

5. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first heat exchanger (44) is a pipe comprising an exchange portion (48) which extends inside the heating body (14) of the heating appliance (12).

6. A combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the cooling apparatus (82) is a freezer which comprises a compartment (88) for storing frozen products.

7. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (64) comprises at least one radiator (76).

8. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (64) comprises at least one buffer tank (66) adapted to store domestic hot water.

9. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating appliance (12) comprises: - an air inlet duct (32) which is connected to the heating body (14) to supply the heating body (14) with combustion air, and - an exhaust duct (126) which is connected to the air inlet duct (32) and which is provided to channel the heat transfer fluid outside the heating appliance (12) by gravity, in the event of a leak from the first heat exchanger (44) inside the heating body (14).

10. Combined heating and air conditioning system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the discharge duct (126) is equipped with a non-return valve (130) which is provided to allow the discharge of the heat transfer fluid in a first direction, i.e. the inside towards the outside of the heating appliance (12), and to prevent the entry of air in a second opposite direction, i.e. from the outside towards the inside of the heating appliance (12).

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