Thermal air conditioning installation

Abstract

A conditioning installation (1) adapted to transfer heat from first media to at least one external medium comprising water and comprising: heat pumps (2), each of which is adapted at least to transfer heat from one of the first media to the external medium and comprising heat exchangers (20); a working circuit (8) adapted to put the external medium in fluidic communication with the heat exchangers (20); a mechanical fluid pump (3) configured to draw water from the external medium and convey it through the working circuit (8) to the heat exchangers (20); the heat exchangers (20) being in fluidic communication with the external medium;an electronic computer (4) functionally connected to the mechanical fluid pump (3) and the heat pump (2) and configured to control the starting, stopping and operation of the mechanical fluid pump (3) and the heat pumps (2); the working circuit (8) includes an access chamber (80), the chamber (80) being in fluidic communication with the heat exchangers (20) and defining a plurality of access points (80a), each of the access points (80a) being adapted to put the chamber (80) in fluidic communication with one of the heat exchangers (20); a plurality of valves (5), each of them being disposed at one of the access points (80a) and configured to allow or prevent the passage of water from the chamber (80) to one of the heat exchangers (20) and to adjust the flow rate of the water conveyed to one of the heat exchangers (20);the mechanical fluid pump (3) has a variable number of revolutions; the computer (4) being functionally connected to the valves (5) and being configured to adjust the operation of the valves (5) and the speed of the mechanical fluid pump (3).

Description

Title of the invention: Description text TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a conditioning installation of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The object of the present invention is a conditioning installation which finds its application mainly, but not exclusively, in the nautical sector and, in particular, in the recreational boating sector.

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0004] Systems for adjusting the temperature in enclosed spaces on board vessels are currently known. In particular, these systems can function as heat pumps, capable of transferring heat from the interior spaces to the exterior of the vessel. For example, these systems can be used to reduce or raise the temperature of the vessel's interior spaces to a defined temperature.Therefore, these systems can be known as heat pumps, in which a working fluid or a coolant circulates within a cooling circuit. The working fluid passes through an evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the internal environment that, for example, needs to be cooled. The working fluid is then conveyed to a compressor before passing into a condenser, where it exchanges heat with the external environment. Finally, it passes through a valve or a throttling element, from which it is returned to the evaporator to repeat the cycle. By reversing the cycle, these systems can heat the surrounding environment.

[0005] In particular, these installations allow for more efficient heat exchange by utilizing the available water outside, which is drawn directly from the exterior of the vessel by means of a pumping system. In fact, the drawn water can be sent to the heat exchangers of the cooling circuit, thereby making the heat exchange between the internal environment and the working fluid faster and more efficient. Thus, the water is drawn, circulated through the heat exchangers, and then discharged outside the vessel.

[0006] The prior art described has significant drawbacks.

[0007] In particular, since it may be necessary to operate several conditioning units on board the vessel, a system for distributing the water drawn from the vessel to the various conditioning units is required. This solution results in high energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0008] In this situation, the technical problem that gave rise to the present invention is to design a conditioning installation, also composed of one or more sub-assemblies, which is capable of substantially remedying at least some of the listed disadvantages.

[0009] In the context of this technical problem, an important object of the invention is to obtain a conditioning installation capable of reducing energy consumption.

[0010] Another important objective of the invention is to provide a conditioning installation capable of making heat exchange between the inside and outside more efficient.

[0011] The technical task and the specified objectives are achieved by a conditioning installation as described in the attached claim 1.

[0012] The preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The features and advantages of the invention are explained below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] [Fig-1] shows a diagram of a conditioning installation according to the invention.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT MODES

[0016] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "approximately" or similar terms such as "roughly" or "substantially," are to be understood as excluding measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, in particular, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, these terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of that value.

[0017] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "superior", "inferior", "primary" and "secondary" do not necessarily indicate an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to distinguish the different components more clearly from one another.

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, as indicated in the discussions below, terms such as "processing", "information technology", "determination", "Computing" or similar terms are considered to refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic processing device that processes and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities in registers of an information system and / or memories, into other data represented in a similar way, such as physical quantities in an information system, registers, or other devices for storing, transmitting, or displaying information.

[0019] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data provided in this text should be considered as having been carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0020] With reference to the figures, the installation according to the invention is generally indicated by the numerical reference 1.

[0021] This is a conditioning system that can be composed of several sub-assemblies. In particular, it is adapted to transfer heat from the first media to at least one external medium. For example, the first media can be enclosed environments. More specifically, these can be enclosed environments on board vessels, such as pleasure craft. The external medium consists of water. For example, the external medium can be a river, a lake, or the sea in which the vessel is floating.

[0022] The installation 1 comprises heat pumps 2. Each of these elements is at least adapted to transfer heat from one of the first media to at least one of the external media. For example, a heat pump 2 may be present inside each of the first media, and each of them delivers heat to the external medium. Each may include a suitable cooling circuit in which a working fluid circulates. The heat pumps 2 include heat exchangers 20. These include condensers in which the working fluid, in the vapor state, condenses after being cooled by contact with the external medium.Each heat pump 2 may include a valve or metering device which allows the passage of the low-pressure part of the condensed fluid, an evaporator in which the condensed fluid absorbs heat from the first medium in contact with it and evaporates, and a compressor which increases the pressure of the fluid in the vapor state and sends it to the heat exchanger 20.

[0023] The heat exchangers 20 are in fluidic communication with the external environment and the water. In fact, the latter is advantageously conveyed to the heat exchangers 20, flowing from the external environment to the heat exchangers 20. As a result, water taken from the external environment, for example seawater, comes into contact with the heat exchangers 20. In this way, it acts as a heat transfer medium, which makes the heat exchange between them more efficient. The heat exchanger 20 and the external environment. The water heated or cooled by the reversing cycle (heat pump) in contact with the heat exchangers 20 is then expelled and returned to the external environment.

[0024] In this respect, the installation 1 includes a working circuit 8, for heating or cooling. It is adapted to establish fluid communication between the external environment and the heat exchangers 20. In particular, the working circuit 8 may include pipes through which water can circulate. In this way, water drawn from the external environment is advantageously conveyed to the heat exchangers 20.

[0025] Advantageously, the working circuit 8 includes an access chamber 80. This chamber is in fluidic communication with the heat exchangers 20. Furthermore, it defines a plurality of access points 80a. Each of these is adapted to put the chamber 80 in fluidic communication with one of the heat exchangers 20. As a result, the chamber 80 can divert the water flow from the external environment to one or more of the access points 80a. From a single access point 80a, the water can flow to the heat exchanger 20 to which it is connected by pipes. A single access point 80a can also be in fluidic communication with two or more heat exchangers 20. Alternatively, several access points 80a can be in fluidic communication with the same heat exchanger 20. In general, a single access point 80a can be in fluidic communication with a single heat exchanger 20.In general, chamber 80 allows for parallel fluidic communication.

[0026] The chamber 80 may have internal walls made of metallic or plastic material. The material chosen depends on the type of water sampled and its composition. Metallic material has the advantage of facilitating the cooling of the water passing through the chamber 80. Plastic material has the advantage of better resisting corrosion caused by salt water, such as seawater.

[0027] Advantageously, the installation 1 includes several valves 5. Each of these is located at one of the access points 80a. Each valve 5 is configured to allow or prevent the passage of water from the chamber 80 to one of the heat exchangers 20. In particular, it can allow or prevent the passage of water through the access point 80a in fluidic communication with the heat exchanger 20 in which the water taken from it is to be allowed to flow or prevented from flowing.

[0028] Furthermore, the valves 5 are advantageously configured to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to one of the heat exchangers 20. Therefore, they can adjust the opening of the access point 80a at which they are located. function of the water flow rate to be sent to the heat exchanger 20 connected to the access point 80a.

[0029] Preferably, the valves 5 are solenoid valves. They are advantageous, since they only require electronic control to be operated and adjusted.

[0030] Installation 1 includes a mechanical fluid pump 3. This is a pump configured to draw water from the external environment and convey the water through the working circuit 8 to the heat exchangers 20. Therefore, it allows the passage of water drawn from the external environment.

[0031] Advantageously, the mechanical fluid pump 3 has a variable number of revolutions per minute. Thus, it is possible to adjust the water flow rate reaching the heat exchangers 20. Consequently, a pump with a variable number of revolutions per minute can allow the extracted water to flow at the required rate for each heat exchanger 20. Furthermore, the flow rate can be varied during the operation of the pump.

[0032] Installation 1 has the advantage of being able to send water to the heat exchangers 20 by adjusting the flow rate, by sending water only to the operated heat exchangers 20, and of being able to vary the flow rate according to the operating conditions and adapt it to the commands given to the related heat pumps 2 which modify their operating conditions.

[0033] Installation 1 includes an electronic computer 4. It is functionally connected to the mechanical fluid pump 3, the heat pumps 2, and the valves 5. In particular, the computer 4 is configured to control the starting, stopping, and operation of the mechanical fluid pump 3 and the heat pumps 2. Furthermore, the computer 4 is configured to adjust the operation of the valves 5 and the speed of the mechanical fluid pump 3.

[0034] Preferably, in response to the activation of a selected heat pump 2, the computer 4 can selectively open the valve 5 located at the access point 80a, which is in fluid communication with the corresponding heat exchanger 20 of the selected heat pump 2. As a result, the computer 4 can actuate the valves 5 associated with the heat pumps 2 that are activated. The valves 5 associated with the heat exchangers 2 that are not operating remain closed. In this way, energy savings are achieved, since the operation of the system 1 is not centralized, but only the parts of the system 1 associated with the operation of the activated heat pumps 2 are activated.

[0035] Consequently, the mechanical fluid pump 3 can also be operated so as to have a number of revolutions per minute proportional to the open access points 80a and the actuated heat exchangers 20. The computer 4 can implement algorithms to adjust the speed of the mechanical fluid pump 3 according to the operating conditions of the 2 operated heat pumps and the number of 2 operated heat pumps.

[0036] Preferably, the installation 1 may include secondary sensors 7. These may be functionally connected to the heat pumps 2, the chamber 80, and the computer 4. In particular, the secondary sensors 7 may be configured to measure the water flow rate and / or temperature and / or pressure. For example, they may be flow meters. The computer 4 may adjust the speed of the mechanical fluid pump 3 in response to a value measured by the secondary sensors 7 of the flow rate, temperature, or pressure, and to the number of heat pumps 2 being operated. In particular, the variation in the speed of the mechanical fluid pump 3 may continue until the measured value is within a predetermined range of flow rates, temperatures, or pressures.Therefore, the second sensors 7 can advantageously send data relating to measured flow, temperature, or pressure values ​​to the computer 4, and the latter, based on the predetermined range of flow, temperature, or pressure values, sends a response signal to vary the speed. The predetermined range of values ​​can be associated by algorithms with the number of heat pumps 2 in operation and their operating conditions as defined by a user.

[0037] Preferably, the installation 1 may include first sensors 6. These may be arranged in the first media, functionally connected to the heat pumps 2 and the computer 4. The first sensors 6 are configured to measure the temperature of the first media. Furthermore, they may send the temperature values ​​detected in the first media to the computer 4.

[0038] The installation 1 may include detection units 40. For example, the detection units 40 may be computers. They may be functionally connected to the first sensors 6 and to the computer 4. In particular, they are configured to actuate the computer 4 in order to close each valve 5 controlling the heat exchanger 20 of the heat pump 2 when at least one of the first sensors 6 detects a temperature in said heat pump 2 within a predetermined range. The predetermined range may be set by the user. Therefore, each detection unit 40 can compare the temperature value detected by the first sensor 6 to which it is connected with the predetermined range of temperature values.If the detected value is within the specified range, the detection unit sends a signal to computer 4, which, in response to the received signal, commands the closure of valve 5 at access point 80a, which connects chamber 80 to heat pump 2, the temperature of which has been detected. In this way, the temperature control of the initial environments is advantageously automated with regard to certain operating steps.

[0039] Preferably, the first sensors 6 can be functionally connected to the heat exchangers 20. Furthermore, the computer 4 defines a first operating mode. In this operating mode, the computer 4 varies the opening of the valves 5 at the access points 80a in fluidic communication with the heat exchangers 20 when the first sensors 6 measure temperature values ​​at these heat exchangers 20 outside a predetermined range of temperature values. For example, if the temperature value detected by a first sensor 6 is higher than the predetermined range of values ​​for the heat pump 2 corresponding to that sensor 6, the computer 4 sends a signal to the valve 5 to open it further. In this way, adjusting the water flow rate can advantageously influence the temperature adjustment of the first medium in which the heat pump 2 is located.In particular, the adjustment of valve 5 can be of the proportional type if it is desired to control the condensation temperature inside the heat exchanger 20.

[0040] Preferably, the computer 4 can define a second operating mode. In this mode, the computer 4 opens all the valves 5 so that, for each of the access points 80a, the water has the maximum flow rate and the mechanical fluid pump 3 has the maximum speed. This mode is advantageous for maintenance operations during which the cooling circuit 8 must be cleaned and cleared of any sediment or residue. As a result, the water is forced to circulate through all the access points 80a at maximum flow rate in order to clean the passages.

[0041] Preferably, the installation 1 may include two mechanical fluid pumps 3. Each of these may be configured to draw water from the external environment and convey it through the cooling circuit 8 to the heat exchangers 20. The two mechanical fluid pumps 3 may be functionally connected to the computer 4. In this respect, the computer 4 may define a first operating mode. In this mode, the computer 4 actuates one of the mechanical fluid pumps 3 in response to a user command.

[0042] For example, by means of a control interface, a user can set the first operating mode and, in response, the computer 4 activates the selected mechanical fluid pump 3. If one of the two pumps is defective, the computer 4 activates only the pump that is in working order.

[0043] Furthermore, the computer 4 can define a second operating mode in which the computer 4 actuates the two mechanical fluid pumps 3 alternately in response to a user command. Therefore, the user can select the second operating mode, and the computer 4 actuates the two mechanical fluid pumps 3 alternately. Consequently, it assigns an operating time range to each mechanical fluid pump 3, after which the pump One of the three mechanical fluid pumps is switched off and the other is activated. In this way, both mechanical fluid pumps are used, which avoids the maintenance problems associated with using only one of the two pumps.

[0044] The invention also relates to a vessel. This vessel comprises an installation 1. More specifically, the vessel may be a pleasure craft. In particular, the vessel includes the first media. Consequently, the water drawn from it may be the water in which the vessel floats. The vessel has the advantage of being able to use an installation 1 that allows for a reduction in overall dimensions. In particular, this aspect is advantageous for pleasure craft in which space on board is limited.

[0045] The operation of the installation 1, previously described in terms of structure, is as follows.

[0046] When a heat pump 2 is activated in a first environment, the computer 4 activates the mechanical fluid pump 3 and commands the opening of the valve 5 at the access point 80a to the heat exchanger 20 of the activated heat pump 2. Subsequently, each time a heat pump 2 is activated, the computer 4 opens the corresponding valve 5. The mechanical fluid pump 3 draws water from the external environment and introduces it into the working circuit 8. The water introduced into the circuit enters the chamber 80 and, from there, into the open access points 80a. From each open access point 80a, the water reaches the corresponding heat exchanger 20. When the water reaches the heat exchanger, it cools or heats the pipe through which the working fluid of the heat pump 2 circulates, causing it to condense and removing the heat it contains.The heated water flows outwards and is returned to the surrounding water.

[0047] The water flow rate can be adjusted by varying the speed (or the number of revolutions per minute) of the mechanical fluid pump 3. The speed can also be varied according to the number of valves 5 open, the water flow rate, if this does not correspond to a value within a predetermined range, and the temperature set for heat pumps 2. The adjustable speed values ​​can be divided into levels, which can be selected or set.

[0048] In the first operating mode, the computer 4 varies the opening of the valve 5 when the detected temperature values ​​are outside a predetermined range of values.

[0049] In the second operating mode (or maintenance mode), the computer 4 opens all the valves 5 and runs the mechanical fluid pump 3 at maximum speed, so as to allow a large quantity of water to pass through the working circuit 8 and to clean the circuit. This mode can be activated when the heat pumps 2 are deactivated.

[0050] Installation 1 according to the invention has significant advantages.

[0051] In fact, since it allows the speed of the mechanical fluid pump to be adjusted, it enables substantial energy savings, as the energy consumption of the mechanical fluid pump can be adjusted according to the actual actuation requirements. In fact, the water is selectively directed only to the heat exchangers of the active heat pumps.

[0052] Consequently, installation 1 allows for better efficiency with regard to heat exchange between the internal and external environments.

[0053] Another advantage is provided by adjusting the parameters that control the flow of water in the cooling circuit. In fact, the installation 1 allows adjustment of both the water flow rate by adjusting the valve opening and the speed of the mechanical fluid pump. In this way, it is possible to influence the water flow through the working circuit 8 in various ways.

[0054] Advantageously, the installation 1 can operate with two pumps, which can be switched on alternately or only one of them can be switched on. In this way, if one of the pumps is damaged, the working mechanical fluid pump can be used.

[0055] Furthermore, Installation 1 is advantageous due to its compact size. In fact, it can be used on pleasure craft, where space is generally limited and where it is necessary to have equipment that occupies limited space. Therefore, the vessel incorporating Installation 1 has the advantage of saving space occupied by the air conditioning system and producing energy savings associated with its use.

[0056] The invention is susceptible of variations falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0057] In this context, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be arbitrary.

Claims

1. Demands 1. A conditioning installation (1) adapted to transfer heat from first media to at least one external medium, said external medium comprising water and comprising: - heat pumps (2), each pump being adapted at least to transfer heat from one of said first media to at least said external medium and comprising heat exchangers (20); - a working circuit (8) adapted to put said external environment in fluidic communication with said external environment with said heat exchangers (20); - a mechanical fluid pump (3) configured to draw said water from said external environment and to convey said water through said working circuit (2) to said heat exchangers (20); - said heat exchangers (20) being in fluidic communication with said external environment and said water, conveyed to said heat exchangers (20), flowing from said external environment to said heat exchangers (20); - an electronic computer (4), functionally connected to said mechanical fluid pump (3) and said heat pump (2), and configured to control the starting, stopping and operation of said mechanical pump (3) and said heat pumps (2); and characterized in that: - said working circuit (3) includes an access chamber (80), said chamber (80) being in fluidic communication with said heat exchangers (20) and defining a plurality of access points (80a), each of said access points (80a) being adapted to put said chamber (80) in fluidic communication with one of said heat exchangers (20); - a plurality of valves (5), each of them being disposed at one of said access points (80a) and configured to permit or prevent the passage of said water from said chamber (80) to one of said heat exchangers (20) and to adjust the flow rate of said water conveyed to one of said heat exchangers (20); - said mechanical fluid pump (3) has a variable number of revolutions per minute; - said computer (4) is functionally connected to said valves (5) and configured to adjust the operation of said valves (5) and the speed of said mechanical fluid pump (3).

2. 2 Conditioning installation (1) according to claim 1, comprising: - first sensors (6) disposed in said first media, functionally connected to said heat pumps (2) and said computer (4) and configured to take the temperature of said first media; - detection units (40) functionally connected to said first sensors (6) and said computer (1) and configured to actuate said computer (4) in order to close each of said valves (5) controlling one of said heat exchangers (20) of one of said heat pumps (2) when at least one of said first sensors (6) detects that one of said heat pumps (2) has a temperature within a predetermined range.

3. 3 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said computer (4), after actuation of a heat pump selected from said heat pumps (2), selectively opens one of said valves (5) disposed at one of said access points (80a) in fluidic communication within a corresponding heat exchanger from said heat exchangers (20) of the heat pump selected from said heat pumps (2).

4. 4 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two mechanical fluid pumps (3), each of said mechanical fluid pumps (3) being configured to draw said water from said external environment and to convey said water through said working circuit (8) to said heat exchangers (20) and being functionally connected to said computer (4), said computer (4) defining: - a first mode of operation, in which said computer (4) operates one of said mechanical fluid pumps (4) in response to a command from a user; - a second mode of operation, in which said computer (4) operates said two mechanical fluid pumps alternately in response to a command from a user.

5. 5 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valves (5) are solenoid valves.

6. 6 Conditioning installation (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first sensors (6) are functionally connected to said heat exchangers (20) and said computer (4) defines a first mode of operation, wherein said computer (4) modifies the opening of said valves (5) at said access points (80a) in fluidic communication with said heat exchangers (20), when said first sensors (6) at said heat exchangers (20) measure at said heat exchangers (20) temperature values ​​which are outside a predetermined range of temperature values.

7. 7 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said chamber (80) comprises internal walls of metallic or plastic material.

8. 8 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising second sensors (7) functionally connected to said heat pumps (2), to said chamber (80) and to said computer (4), configured to measure at least the flow rate of said water, said computer (4) adjusting said speed in response to the value measured by said second sensors (7) of said flow rate and to the number of heat pumps (2) operated, until said measured value is within a predetermined flow rate range.

9. 9 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising second sensors (7) functionally connected to said heat pump (2), to said chamber (80) and to said computer (4) and configured to measure at least the pressure of the working fluid.

10. 10 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising second sensors (7) functionally connected to said heat pump (2), to said chamber (80) and to said computer (4) and configured to measure at least the temperature of said water.

11. 11 Conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said computer (4) defines a second mode of operation, wherein said computer (4)

12. opens all said valves (5) so that, at each of said access points (80a), said water has the maximum flow rate and said mechanical fluid pump (3) has the maximum speed.

12. A vessel comprising a conditioning installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said vessel comprising said first media