Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building comprising a plurality of fluid thermocontrol equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermocontrolled fluid production installation for a building, comprising several thermocontrol devices. It comprises an assembly of self-supporting modules of a first type (1), standardized in height and depth, provided with main conduits with fluid connections interconnected according to an identical topology, and tappings connected to modules of a second type (2). The latter, also self-supporting, have complementary connections connected to internal or external thermocontrol equipment, as well as means for controlling the fluid circulation. Their side and rear faces are devoid of connections. Fluid communication with the building's distribution circuit is via a succession of interconnected modules of the first type, one of which is connected to said circuit. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for producing a thermo-controlled fluid for a building comprising a plurality of fluid thermo-control equipment Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal control of large buildings, typically of more than 500 m2 and more specifically to the production of thermocontrolled fluid for heating and / or air conditioning of a building.

[0002] Several devices can provide thermal energy in a building: - A natural gas, fuel oil or wood boiler. - An aerothermal or geothermal heat pump (PAC) - A connection to a heat network, or a tempered water loop

[0003] As well as possibly external equipment.

[0004] These devices producing heat and / or cold are generally located in a technical room called a boiler room, which supplies the distribution network in the building with the thermocontrolled fluid produced by the heat or cold production installation. By convention, the term "boiler room" will be used in the sense of this patent to designate the installation for producing the thermocontrolled fluid, by heating or by cooling, to supply the distribution network of the fluid in the building. State of the art

[0005] To facilitate the installation of a boiler room, it is known to combine the creation of a heat generator consisting of several identical connected modules which come into action as needed. The modular design facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the modules as well as the increase in the power of the installation.

[0006] We know in particular the prefabricated hydraulic modules for the production of heating compatible with boilers marketed under the name PVX-E-MODULE ™ by the company ATLANTIC ™ or the solution marketed by the company DAIKIN ™ under the commercial name PREFABRICATED MODULAR SOLUTION ™.

[0007] These solutions are not satisfactory because they require that all equipment have fluid connections positioned according to the same layout diagram. This solution only ensures the connection of different equipment with the same configuration. These solutions are proprietary and are designed to integrate equipment from the same manufacturer. They are not suitable for the integration of equipment from other suppliers.

[0008] Also known is US patent 11015854 proposing a modular rack system for heating and / or cooling needs which comprises a first plurality of equipment modules, a second plurality of equipment modules, a first storage rack and a second storage rack. - The first storage rack is constructed and arranged to receive the first plurality of equipment modules. - The second storage medium is constructed and arranged to receive the second plurality of equipment modules. - The described system also includes a plurality of water collectors that are constructed and arranged to interconnect the first plurality of equipment modules with the second plurality of equipment modules.

[0009] This solution is not satisfactory because it applies to modular equipment, rather than to a complete modular system integrating different equipment, modular or not.

[0010] French patent FR3034849 describes a kit for mounting a heating or air conditioning installation, characterized in that it is in modular form and comprises at least: a module for producing heat energy from a primary circuit, of determined power and connectable by a connection member providing a supply of water from the primary circuit and at least one connection member recovering water from the primary circuit and - a distributor module to at least one diffuser, the distributor module being connectable upstream by a connection member for receiving water from the primary circuit and downstream by at least one connection member for discharging water from the primary circuit, the distributor module further comprising at least two connectors for junction with said diffuser, said connection members of said modules being in the form of ends interconnectable from one module to another,each module being fixed on a transportable support.

[0011] Once on site, the operator simply joins the two connection members of the distribution module as well as the connectors for connection to the heating circuit, including, for example, radiators or heated floors. The operator also connects the connection members to create a connection, for example, with a domestic hot water production module.

[0012] The function of the distributor module is to distribute the primary hot water to heating or air conditioning emitters such as radiators, underfloor heating or an air handling center, also referred to as CTA. Each outlet can be direct or mixed by controlled three-way valves or by thermostatic three-way valves in order to provide domestic hot water.

[0013] This solution is suitable for the distribution of hot water in a building, but not for the creation of a boiler room upstream of the distribution of heating or air conditioning fluid.

[0014] French patent FR3034850 describes a variant of a mounting kit for an installation of a modular domestic hot water production installation which comprises a domestic hot water production module comprising a heat exchanger connectable by at least two primary heating water receiving connection members and a connector for its supply of drinking water, a domestic hot water supply connector and a domestic water return connector, these connectors being in communication with the heat exchanger, a domestic hot water distributor module comprising at least one circulator connected by two connectors on one part to said domestic hot water supply connector and on the other hand to said domestic water return connector reinjected into the heat exchanger of the domestic hot water production module,the distributor module further comprising at least one connection tap between the circulator and an output connector for supplying domestic hot water to at least one draw-off point, each module being fixed to a transportable support.

[0015] This patent constitutes a variant of the previous one, for the distribution of domestic hot water.

[0016] Patent application US20110252821 describes a modular heating and cooling unit comprising an independent set of manifolds for each of the heating and cooling loads and the source. A bank of such modular units provides equipment capable of providing simultaneous incremental heating, cooling and redundancy. Valves located in the internal piping of the unit eliminate the need for valves in the manifolds between units.

[0017] This solution provides a rack comprising technical equipment in its lower part and connection conduits in its upper part.

[0018] Patent application EP2669584 relates to a device for heating and / or cooling a building comprising: a first circuit for a first liquid between a heat reservoir and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat, a second circuit for a second liquid between the heat exchanger and a first heat exchanger and a first heat pump and a third circuit for a third liquid between the first heat pump and a radiator / convector in a room of the building, a pipe system provided with controllable valves and pumps and a control unit which is connected to the controllable valves and pumps in order to realize the first circuit, the second circuit and the third circuit.In order to reduce the installation time and increase the capacity of the device in stages, the device includes modules, in which one module includes a frame and a part of the pipeline system, the part of the system of . pipes in the respective modules comprising pipes of the parts which are provided at their ends with connecting flanges for connecting a first module to a second module, and the connecting flanges of the first and second modules are fixed to the respective frames according to a fixed geometric configuration, so that the connecting flanges of the first module can be connected to the connecting flanges of the second module.

[0019] This solution provides in each frame equipment such as a heat pump, and all the distribution pipes. It therefore does not offer great flexibility and implies that for each equipment / distribution circuit pair the design of a specific module. Disadvantages of the prior art

[0020] The solutions of the prior art are not entirely satisfactory because they do not allow a boiler room to be installed very quickly and simply, from standardized and pre-tested modules, with reduced and very simplified on-site interventions, allowing the operation of equipment from different equipment manufacturers, with fluid inputs and outputs which are not harmonized, and variable dimensions.

[0021] In particular, the solutions of the prior art do not allow easy testing of the different bricks before their assembly on site, and validation of these modular bricks in the factory to reduce the tasks during their assembly on site.

[0022] The solutions of the prior art imply that the technical part of the equipment is directly compatible with the fluid distribution stage. Solution provided by the invention

[0023] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the present invention relates, in its most general sense, to an installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building having the technical characteristics set out in claim 1.

[0024] Such an installation typically comprises a plurality of fluid thermocontrol equipment characterized in that it comprises an assembly of a plurality of modules of a first type and a plurality of modules of a second type, a. said modules of a first type (1) comprising fluid connections with two adjacent modules of a first type, and a fluid connection with a module of said second type (2) b. said modules of the second type comprising: • fluid connections with a module of the first type • fluid connections for connection with heating equipment internal or external to said module • Means for controlling the fluid circulation between said connection fittings with the heating equipment and the connection of the first type.

[0025] Preferably: - the modules of the first type are thermally passive modules, i.e. not comprising means for modifying the temperature of the fluid; the transfer of fluid is ensured on the one hand between two connections with adjacent modules of the first type (or an inlet or outlet interface), and a branch for the transfer of fluid between a connection with a module of the second type, and the connections with the modules of the first type, possibly with a motorized valve, but without any active means of heating or cooling the fluid circulating in these conduits

[0026] and / or - the modules of the second type are active modules, i.e. comprising means for heating or cooling the fluid and / or one or more fluid control means, for example a circulation pump modifying the flow rate of the fluid arriving at the level of the thermocontrol equipment associated with the module, these fluid control means being controlled by a control module, for example a state machine; the transfer of fluid is ensured between the equipment - internal or external, and the connections with a module of the first type.

[0027] According to preferred embodiments, certain modules of the first type have: • first-type inter-module connections, standardized, i.e. with identical positioning and the same section, for all modules of the first type (or at least a subset of modules of the first type) to facilitate the association of neighboring modules of the first type • connections with second-type modules, the diameter of which can be variable to allow adaptation to various equipment, but the arrangement of which is standardized and common to all second-type modules • Optionally temperature, pressure and / or flow rate sensors

[0028] According to preferred embodiments, certain modules of the second type have: • A fluid / fluid exchanger, for example air-water or water-water or air-air or water-water, for connecting an external fluid source • Temperature, pressure, pressure and / or flow sensors • Furthermore, the second type modules are devoid of connection between them: two adjacent second-type modules are not fluidically connected directly, but only through the modules of the first type.

[0029] Detailed description of a non-limiting example of embodiment

[0030] The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a three-quarter front perspective view of an ins boiler room installation according to the invention

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a three-quarter perspective view from above of an ins boiler room installation according to the invention

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a schematic view of a module of the first type

[0034] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a schematic view of an assembly of a module of the first type and a module of the second type General principle of the invention

[0035] An installation according to the invention is produced by adding pairs of modules of two different types from a functional point of view, namely: - Modules of a first type (1), which are fluid transfer modules, which form a block whose dimensions are standardized.

[0036] Each module of a first type comprises a substantially parallelepiped frame on which are fixed fluid conduits passing through the block, and having at their two ends opening at a lateral and / or transverse face by a fluid connection. These connections are arranged according to a constant geometric pattern, such that when two modules of a first type are joined, the connections can be mechanically assembled to form a fluid continuity. At least part of the conduits passing through the block also has a tap opening onto a peripheral connection, the peripheral connections being arranged according to a constant geometric pattern. - Modules (201 to 203) of a second type (2) which are modules for connecting internal or external thermocontrol equipment. These modules of a second type also form blocks whose dimensions are standardized. Each module of a second type comprises a substantially parallelepipedal frame on which are fixed active fluid components (valves and / or pumps and / or thermocontrol equipment) as well as conduits, one of which opens at a lateral and / or transverse face by a fluid connection, these connections being arranged on one of the faces of the frame according to a geometric pattern complementary to the geometric pattern for positioning the peripheral connections of the modules of the first type, such that when a module of the first type and a module of the second type are joined, the connections can be mechanically assembled to form a fluid continuity. The thermocontrol equipment mocontrol are either integrated into the module frame or outside of this frame, and connected to one of the conduits fixed in the frame.

[0037] The boiler room is made up of an assembly of modules of the second type, each corresponding to one of the energy functions, for example a heat pump, an oil or gas boiler, a heat exchanger, etc. These modules are juxtaposed and mechanically connected at their frames. The fluid connections are ensured by modules of the first type, also juxtaposed between them and with the modules of the second type. The position of the connections being standardized, the fluid continuity is easily ensured by the assembly of the connections which face each other between the different modules.

[0038] The second type modules are prepared and tested in the factory so that when they are brought to the boiler room installation site, the operations to be carried out are limited to the mechanical assembly of the modules together and the fluid connection at the level of complementary fittings which face each other.

[0039] It is advantageous for the modules of the first type and the modules of the second type to have an identical depth, or even an identical horizontal section so as to allow their superposition or their lateral addition, to form sub-assemblies formed of a module of the first type and a module of the second type juxtaposed, and preferably superimposed. Similarly, it is advantageous for all the modules of the first type (1) to have the same height Hb and for all the modules of the first type to have the same height H2,

[0040] The standardization of the dimensions of the first type modules and the second type modules makes it possible to simplify installation and to guarantee the correct alignment of the fluid conduits. Boiler room installation

[0041] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of a modular boiler room made with modules according to the invention. It is composed of: - three passive fluid connection modules of the first type (1) forming an alignment of adjacent blocks, such that the fluid connections (11; 21; 31; 41) are positioned opposite each other and allow a connection without plumbing work, using flanges for example. - three active modules of the second type (2), two of which (201; 203) ensure the modular integration of heat pumps (300), respectively on the evaporator and condenser side (i.e. integration in the frame (200) of active equipment such as a heat pump, an air-water or water-water heat exchanger, a circulation pump, etc.). Each module of the second type (201, 202, 203) is fluidically connected to a pair of modules of the first type (1), superimposed two by two on the modules of the second type (2).

[0042] These active modules of the second type (2) form an alignment of adjacent blocks, above which the modules of the first type (1) are arranged in such a way that the fluid connections of the modules of the first type (1) and of the second type (2) are positioned opposite each other and allow a connection without plumbing work, by flanges for example.

[0043] The frames (100, 200) are formed by an assembly of metal profiles welded together to form a rigid and autonomous parallelepiped structure, open on all sides to allow easy access to the interior of the frame for the assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the active or passive equipment supported by the frame (100, 200).

[0044] The lower frames (200) have four feet (205) each adjustable in height to ensure the horizontal alignment of each of the lower frames (200), compensate for any unevenness in the floor, and create a reference for the correct alignment of the fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) of the modules of the first type (1) arranged above the modules of the second type (2).

[0045] The assembly of two superimposed frames (100, 200) is carried out by means of complementary assembly elements, or in a known manner by bolting or riveting.

[0046] Additional active equipment (300) is optionally fluidically connected to modules of the first type (1) either directly by connection conduits, or by means of a module of the second type (2) integrating in the frame (100) a heat exchanger or a circulation pump (208). Detailed description of a module of the first type

[0047] [Fig.3] represents a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a module of the first type (1).

[0048] This module is constituted by a chassis forming a rigid frame (100) of generally parallelepiped shape. This frame (100) ensures the mechanical positioning of fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) opening onto two faces of the frame (100), preferably opposite, by connections respectively (11, 21, 31, 41) and (12, 22, 32, 42).

[0049] These conduits are for example constituted by: An “evaporator inlet” conduit (15) An “evaporator outlet” conduit (25) A “Condenser inlet” conduit (35) A “Condenser outlet” conduit (45).

[0050] The connections (11, 21, 31, 41) and (12, 22, 32, 42) preferably have the same topology for each of the modules of the first type, i.e. an identical positioning for each module of the first type. The sections of the different connections of the same module of the first type may be different, but each module of the first type has the same section sets so as to allow a simplified connection by juxtaposition of modules of the first type and assembly of the connections terminated by welding, or by flanges, or by any other known means of fluid connection between two connections.

[0051] Each fluid conduit (15, 25, 35, 45) also has a respective tapping (10, 20, 30, 40) preferably provided with a shut-off valve to isolate the unconnected tappings. These tappings (10, 20, 30, 40) also end with connectors (43) intended for connection with a connector provided on a module of the second type.

[0052] The modules of the first type are preferably passive modules, that is to say they do not provide motorized valves or a controllable circulation pump. They ensure a reliable and robust fluid interconnection function. Optionally, the fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) and / or the tappings (10, 20, 30, 40) are equipped with temperature, pressure or flow rate sensors to provide supervision information, or with piezoelectric sensors to provide a signature of the circulation of the fluid for predictive maintenance. Detailed description of a module of the second type

[0053] [Fig. 3] represents a superimposed assembly of a module of the first type (1) and a module of the second type (2). The frames respectively (100, 200) of the module of the first type (1) and of the module of the second type (2) are superimposed and mechanically joined by bolting or locking by rotating fixing locks of the “twist lock™” type.

[0054] The connections (43) of the tappings of the module of the first type (1) are joined with the complementary connections (50 to 53) of the module of the second type (2) by flanges or by any known coupling method.

[0055] The frame (200) of the module of the second type (2) integrates thermocontrol equipment, for example a heat pump, as well as controllable fluidic control equipment, for example a controlled valve (210) and a circulation pump (220).

[0056] The frame rests on the ground by anti-vibration supports of the “silent-bloc” type.

[0057] The modules of the second type (2) are assembled and tested in such a way that installation on site is simple and rapid.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building comprising a plurality of fluid thermocontrol equipment, characterized in that it comprises an assembly of a plurality of modules of a first type, superimposed with a plurality of modules of a second type, autonomous and detachable from the modules of the first type, a. said self-supporting modules of a first type (1) being constituted by a rigid frame (100) of standardized height and depth, on which are mounted: • main conduits provided at their ends with fluid connections with modules of a first adjacent type, said fluid connections being arranged on at least two faces of said frame according to an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type (1), said modules of a first type have connections arranged according to an identical topology. • tappings fitted at their end with connections with a module of said second type, arranged on another face, in an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type (1), b. said self-supporting modules of the second type (2) being constituted by a rigid frame (200) on which are mounted: • fluid connections according to a configuration complementary to those of the connections of said modules of said first type (1), said fluid connections being extended by fluid conduits for connection with thermocontrol equipment internal or external to said module • Means for controlling the fluid circulation between said connection fittings with the thermocontrol equipment and the connection of the first type • The two side faces and the rear face of said modules of the second type (2) being devoid of fluid connections c. The fluid communication between each of said modules of the second type and the fluid distribution circuit in the building being produced by the succession of the first type module fluidly interconnected, one of which opens into said fluid distribution circuit in the building.

2. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of said modules of a first type and said modules of a second type also have a common depth.

3. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1 characterized in that said modules of a first type are of the passive type, the conduits being passing or provided with a motorized valve.

4. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control and piloting module common to the modules of the second type and, where appropriate, to the motorized valves provided on the main conduits of the modules of the first type.

5. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that a part of the modules of the second type integrates a heat exchanger ensuring a heat transfer between a fluid coming from an external source, and a circulating fluid within the installation.

6. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1 characterized in that said modules of the first type comprise a frame of identical depth and height.

7. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the modules of the second type comprises an identical chassis.

8. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an interface module with the distribution system of the building comprising a heat exchanger fluidically coupled to said main conduits of an adjacent first type module and ensuring fluidic isolation between said system and the fluidic distribution circuit of said building.

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