Heat pump module, plant containing such heat pump module, and method for heating a substance.

Abstract

A first circuit (2) for the first refrigerant fluid and a second circuit (3) for the second refrigerant fluid, A first heat exchanger (4) is positioned on the first circuit (2) for heat exchange between a first refrigerant fluid and a first heat transfer fluid, A first compressor (5) is located downstream of the first heat exchanger (4) on the first circuit (2), A second heat exchanger (6) interposed between a first circuit (2) and a second circuit (3) for heat exchange between a first refrigerant fluid and a second refrigerant fluid, the second heat exchanger (6) being located downstream of the first compressor (5) on the first circuit (2), A first expansion valve (7) is located downstream of the second heat exchanger (6) on the first circuit (2), A second compressor (8) is located downstream of the second heat exchanger (6) on the second circuit (3), A third heat exchanger (9) is located downstream of the second compressor (8) on the second circuit (3) for heat exchange between the second refrigerant fluid and the second heat transfer fluid, A heat pump module (1) including the following.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump module, a plant comprising such a heat pump module, and a method for heating a substance.

Background Art

[0002] As is known, a heat pump is a device that extracts heat from one or more low-temperature sources in order to supply heat to one or more high-temperature sources using an external energy source.

[0003] A heat pump is designed to transfer thermal energy in a direction opposite to the natural heat flow by absorbing heat from a cold space and releasing this to a warmer space.

[0004] Fundamental to the operation of a heat pump is the use of a volatile fluid that evaporates and condenses, known as a refrigerant fluid.

[0005] The compressor of the heat pump draws in the refrigerant fluid in gaseous form and compresses it in the high-pressure zone of the circuit. The compressed gas is pushed into a first heat exchanger (condenser), where it transfers heat to the surroundings and is cooled until it condenses into liquid form. The liquid is pushed through an expansion valve that separates the high-pressure part of the circuit from the low-pressure part. When the liquid at low pressure reaches a second heat exchanger (evaporator), it absorbs heat from the surroundings and turns into gaseous form so as to be drawn in again by the compressor, restarting the cycle.

[0006] Typically, a heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to remove heat from a low-temperature source and returns it to a higher heat level in order to effectively use its heat content at a temperature suitable for a heat utility.

[0007] However, standard heat pumps reach delivery temperatures between 70°C and 80°C. Therefore, they are unsuitable for various applications, such as those in the chemical industry, where high temperatures (e.g., 130°C to 180°C) are required. For this reason, energy-intensive electric or gas heating systems have been used to date. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In this context, the technical problem underpinning the present invention is to propose a heat pump module, a plant including such a heat pump module, and a method for heating a material, which overcome the shortcomings of the prior art cited above.

[0009] In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose a heat pump module suitable for producing temperatures between 130°C and 185°C, a plant including such a heat pump module, and a method for heating a substance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to make available a heat pump module, a plant containing such a heat pump module, and a method for heating a material that can produce both high-temperature and low-temperature heat transfer fluids with the same energy consumption as known solutions that produce only high-temperature heat transfer fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The technical problems described and the identified objectives are substantially achieved by a heat pump module having the technical features defined in one or more of the appended claims.

[0012] The technical problems described and the identified objectives are substantially achieved by a plant having the technical features defined in one or more of the appended claims.

[0013] The technical problems described and the identified objectives are substantially achieved by a method for heating a substance having the technical features defined in one or more of the appended claims.

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the implicit, and therefore non-limiting, description of one preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a plant according to the present invention, including a heat pump module, as shown in the schematic diagram of Attached Figure 1, a plant including such a heat pump module, and a method for heating a substance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] The present invention, including a heat pump module, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Referring to the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a heat pump module. The present invention is not exclusive but is primarily used in the chemical industry. Generally, the heat pump module 1 is used in a variety of applications, from the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, surface treatment, and food industries to the manufacture of polymers and plastics (non-exclusive list), to bring a heat source to a temperature of 185°C and a supply source of glycol-added water or other cooled fluid to a temperature between 5°C and 10°C.

[0017] The heat pump module 1 includes a first circuit 2 for a first refrigerant fluid and a second circuit 3 for a second refrigerant fluid.

[0018] The heat pump module 1 includes a first heat exchanger 4 arranged along a first circuit 2. Preferably, the first heat exchanger 4 includes an inlet 4a and an outlet 4b for a first refrigerant fluid. Preferably, the first heat exchanger 4 includes an inlet 4c and an outlet 4d for a first heat transfer fluid.

[0019] The first heat exchanger 4 is an evaporator. The heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid and the first heat transfer fluid is such that the first refrigerant fluid becomes gaseous.

[0020] The first heat transfer fluid is often identified as a "cold heat source" because a low-boiling refrigerant fluid is used and thus a low-temperature fluid can be used. The cold heat source is usually water to which glycol can be added, or another fluid. Typically, the inlet temperature is between 10°C and 25°C, and the outlet temperature is between 5°C and 10°C.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first heat transfer fluid, such as water, enters the first heat exchanger 4 at about 12°C and exits at about 7°C.

[0022] For these reasons, it is possible to call the first heat transfer fluid a "low-temperature heat transfer fluid".

[0023] The heat pump module 1 includes at least one first compressor 5 disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger 4. In one embodiment, the heat pump module 1 includes at least two first compressors 5 in series.

[0024] The heat pump module 1 includes a second heat exchanger 6. The second heat exchanger 6 is interposed between the two circuits 2, 3. In particular, the second heat exchanger 6 is shared between the first and second circuits 2, 3. In other words, the second heat exchanger 6 acts on the first circuit 2 and on the second circuit 3.

[0025] The second heat exchanger 6 is disposed downstream of the first compressor 5 on the first circuit 2. The heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid takes place in the second heat exchanger 6, as will be better explained below.

[0026] Preferably, the second heat exchanger 6 includes an inlet 6a and an outlet 6b for the first refrigerant fluid. Preferably, the second heat exchanger 6 includes an inlet 6c and an outlet 6d for the second refrigerant fluid.

[0027] The heat pump module 1 includes a first expansion valve 7 arranged on the first circuit 2 between the outlet 6b of the second heat exchanger 6 and the inlet 4a of the first heat exchanger 4.

[0028] The heat pump module 1 includes at least one second compressor 8 arranged downstream of the second heat exchanger 6 on the second circuit 3. In one embodiment, the heat pump module 1 includes at least two second compressors 8 in series.

[0029] The heat pump module 1 includes a third heat exchanger 9 arranged downstream of the second compressor 8 on the second circuit 3. Preferably, the third heat exchanger 9 includes an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b for the second refrigerant fluid. Preferably, the third heat exchanger 9 includes an inlet 9c and an outlet 9d for the second heat transfer fluid.

[0030] The second heat transfer fluid is a fluid intended to receive heat from the heat pump module 1 to transport the heat directly or indirectly to the destination where the heat is transferred to the substance.

[0031] In contrast to the first heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid is identified as a "high-temperature heat transfer fluid".

[0032] Preferably, the third heat exchanger 9 is of the flooded type. Thus, it also functions as a liquid receiver.

[0033] The heat pump module 1 includes a second expansion valve 14 arranged on the second circuit 3 between the outlet 9b of the third heat exchanger 9 and the inlet 6c of the second heat exchanger 6.

[0034] Preferably, the heat pump module 1 includes a first refrigerant fluid flowing through the first circuit 2 and a second refrigerant fluid flowing through the second circuit 3.

[0035] Preferably, the heat pump module 1 is configured such that the second heat transfer fluid is guided to the third heat exchanger 9 at a temperature included between 80 °C and 125 °C.

[0036] As a non-limiting example, the second heat transfer fluid can be diathermic oil in an open or closed container, demineralized water to which suppressed calcium carbonate or glycol has been added. Preferably, the second heat transfer fluid is diathermic oil.

[0037] The first refrigerant fluid in the first circuit 2 is therefore used to heat-regulate the second refrigerant fluid in the second circuit 3. The second heat transfer fluid receives heat directly only from the second refrigerant fluid.

[0038] In particular, the heat pump module 1 is configured to extract heat from a second refrigerant fluid in a second heat exchanger 6 in which the first refrigerant fluid condenses the first refrigerant fluid.

[0039] Preferably, the second heat exchanger 6 is configured as a condenser for the first refrigerant fluid.

[0040] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid are different from each other. Here, "different" means that the first refrigerant fluid is a different substance from the second refrigerant fluid. In other words, their chemical properties are different.

[0041] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A, R134, or R552A. Similarly, any refrigerant fluid of the HFC and HFO type with a GWP of less than 1000 can be used. Alternatively, the first refrigerant fluid is subcritical CO2.

[0042] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A, whose chemical composition is a mixture of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane-1-ene. This fluid offers the advantage of a condensation temperature of approximately 70°C.

[0043] Preferably, the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd, R1234yf, or R1234ze. Similarly, any HFO type refrigerant fluid with a GWP of less than 10 can be used. Alternatively, the second refrigerant fluid may be butane, propane, or pentane.

[0044] Preferably, the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd, and its chemical composition is trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene.

[0045] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A and the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd. This combination is particularly advantageous in terms of heat pump efficiency and experimental tests have shown it to be the best possible combination for the desired temperature.

[0046] The following is a description of the cycle of the first refrigerant fluid. In the first heat exchanger 4, heat exchange takes place such that the temperature of the first refrigerant fluid rises while the temperature of the first heat transfer fluid decreases. In particular, the first refrigerant fluid evaporates and turns into a gas. This then passes through the first compressor 5, where the reduction in volume is utilized to increase the pressure and consequently the temperature of the first refrigerant fluid. The first refrigerant fluid is sent to the second heat exchanger 6, where heat exchange takes place between the first and second refrigerant fluids. The first refrigerant fluid transfers heat to the second refrigerant fluid, thereby cooling and condensing the first refrigerant fluid. The first refrigerant fluid then passes through the first expansion valve 7 to restart its cycle.

[0047] The following is a description of the second refrigerant fluid cycle.

[0048] The second refrigerant fluid enters the second compressor 8, where its volume reduction is utilized to increase its pressure and consequently its temperature. It then passes through the third heat exchanger 9, where heat exchange takes place with the second heat transfer fluid. In particular, the second refrigerant fluid transfers heat to the second heat transfer fluid. Subsequently, the second refrigerant fluid passes through the second expansion valve 14 and then enters the second heat exchanger 6, where it receives heat from the first refrigerant fluid and condenses the first refrigerant fluid.

[0049] Preferably, the temperature of the first refrigerant fluid entering the second heat exchanger 6 is higher than the temperature of the second refrigerant fluid entering the second heat exchanger 6. Furthermore, it is preferable that the heat exchange is sufficient to condense the first refrigerant fluid. It is impossible to specify the exact temperatures of these refrigerant fluids entering the second heat exchanger 6, as these will vary based on many parameters that can differ from case to case.

[0050] For example, the second refrigerant fluid enters the second compressor 8 at 60°C and 10 bar, and exits at 125°C and 40 bar. It then passes through the third heat exchanger 9, where it transfers heat to the second heat transfer fluid. Leaving the third heat exchanger 9, the second refrigerant fluid is at 70°C. Finally, it enters the second heat exchanger 6, where it is heated by the first refrigerant fluid to 80°C and 10 bar. This cools and condenses the first refrigerant fluid.

[0051] For example, the first refrigerant fluid enters the second heat exchanger 6 at 70°C, but is squeezed out at 5°C.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the heat pump module 1 includes an economizer 10 positioned before the first expansion valve 7 to perform the task of lowering the temperature of the first refrigerant fluid that has exited the second heat exchanger 6.

[0053] Preferably, the economizer 10 includes a first inlet 10a located downstream of the first outlet 6b of the second heat exchanger 6, and the first inlet 10a is connected to a first outlet 10b located upstream of the first expansion valve 7.

[0054] Preferably, the heat pump module 1 includes a branch 11 of the first circuit 2 which can be configured to draw in at least a portion of the first refrigerant fluid between the first outlet 10b of the economizer 10 and the first expansion valve 7. The branch 11 extends to guide the thus drawn-in first refrigerant fluid through the economizer 10, more specifically through the second inlet 10c and second outlet 10d of the economizer, toward the first compressor 5. A third expansion valve 12 is provided along the branch 11 upstream of the second inlet 10c of the economizer 10.

[0055] The first refrigerant fluid drawn into branch 11 is used by the economizer 10 to cool the first refrigerant fluid before being sent to the first expansion valve 7. In other words, the economizer 10 operates through the internal resources of the first circuit 2 as a means of optimizing the performance of the first circuit 2.

[0056] Conveniently, the heat pump module 1 may include a liquid receiving device 13 located between the second heat exchanger 6 and the first expansion valve 7 on the first circuit 2. Preferably, the liquid receiving device 13 is located between the first outlet 10b of the economizer 10 and the beginning of the branch 11.

[0057] The heat exchanger described in this invention may be a tube bundle, a plate type, or another type.

[0058] In this preferred embodiment, the first heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 9 are of the tube bundle type, while the second heat exchanger 6 is of the plate type.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the heat pump module 1 may include one, two, or three capillaries 15 associated with the expansion valves 7, 12, and 14. The role of the capillaries 15 is to send some of the refrigerant fluid directly to the compressors 5 and 8 when the expansion valves 7, 12, and 14 are open but not all of the refrigerant fluid passes through them.

[0060] The heat pump module 1 described above can supply a heat output of up to 1 MW. Multiple heat pump modules 1 can be connected together to increase the resulting heat output.

[0061] The heat pump of the subject of this invention can therefore be adjusted.

[0062] Plant 100 is the subject of the present invention and will be described below.

[0063] Plant 100 includes at least one heat pump module 1 as described above.

[0064] Plant 100 includes a first refrigerant fluid that flows within the first circuit 2 of the heat pump 1.

[0065] Plant 100 includes a second refrigerant fluid flowing through the second circuit 3 of the heat pump 1.

[0066] Plant 100 includes a heat exchanger 101 that is operationally associated with at least a second heat transfer fluid. This means that the second heat transfer fluid contributes directly or indirectly (i.e., by an intervening fluid) to the heat exchange in the device 101.

[0067] Preferably, the plant 100 includes a first line L1 for guiding a second heat transfer fluid from the heat pump module 1 to the device 101.

[0068] Preferably, the plant 100 includes a second line L2 for drawing in the first heat transfer fluid that has exited the first heat exchanger 4. Preferably, the second line L2 extends to guide the first heat transfer fluid to the apparatus 101 to temperature-regulate the heat exchange.

[0069] For example, in apparatus 101, a high temperature is reached to trigger a reaction, and then at the end of the process, the temperature is adjusted (in particular, cooling is performed) for reasons of material stability and controllability.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the apparatus 101 is configured to generate steam at a low pressure (in the range between 2 and 6 bar). In other words, the apparatus 101 is a steam generator. In this case, the plant 100 preferably includes a compressor 102, such as a venturi ejector, downstream of the apparatus 101, for recompressing the steam and bringing it to an average pressure between 6 and 10 bar. As the steam flows into the compressor 102, the temperature consequently rises to 180°C.

[0071] Figure 1 only illustrates that the first heat transfer fluid is sent to the device 101 through line L2, but other uses of the first heat transfer fluid are possible. In particular, all or part of the first heat transfer fluid that leaves the first heat exchanger 4 can be sent to one or more units that consume cold energy and are not operationally related to the device 101, such as a refrigerator or cooling device.

[0072] Preferably, the plant 100 includes a first buffer tank 103 for storing a second heat transfer fluid. The first tank 103 is preferably connected to a gas boiler or a group of electric heating elements in case it is necessary to further increase the temperature of this high-temperature heat transfer fluid.

[0073] Preferably, the plant includes a second buffer tank (not shown) for storing the first heat transfer fluid.

[0074] The subject of this invention is a method for heating a substance, which will be described below. This method is advantageously carried out by a heat pump module and a plant as described above.

[0075] This method includes the step of circulating a first refrigerant fluid along a first circuit 2.

[0076] During circulation within the first circuit 2, this method includes a step of heat exchange between a first refrigerant fluid and a first heat transfer fluid. In this step, the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the first refrigerant fluid, which evaporates. Preferably, this step is performed in the first heat exchanger 4.

[0077] The first heat transfer fluid is often identified as the "cold source" because a low-boiling-point refrigerant fluid is used, and therefore a low-temperature fluid can be used. Typically, this cold source is water or another fluid to which glycol may be added. Typically, the inlet temperature is between 10°C and 25°C, and the outlet temperature is between 5°C and 10°C.

[0078] In one embodiment, water enters at approximately 12°C and exits at approximately 7°C.

[0079] For these reasons, the first heat transfer fluid can be called a "low-temperature heat transfer fluid."

[0080] This method includes the step of circulating a second refrigerant fluid along a second circuit 3.

[0081] During circulation within the second circuit 3, this method includes a step of heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid and the second refrigerant fluid. In this step, the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the second refrigerant fluid. Preferably, this step is performed in the third heat exchanger 9.

[0082] The second heat transfer fluid is a fluid intended to receive heat from the second coolant fluid, either directly or indirectly, to transport the heat to a destination where it is transferred to a substance.

[0083] In contrast to the first heat transfer fluid, the second heat transfer fluid is identified as a "high-temperature heat transfer fluid."

[0084] This method includes a step of heat exchange between a first refrigerant fluid and a second refrigerant fluid. In this step, the second refrigerant fluid is heated by the first refrigerant fluid. This occurs after the second refrigerant fluid has transferred heat to the second heat transfer fluid. Preferably, this step is performed in a second heat exchanger 6.

[0085] This method includes a step of heat exchange between a second heat transfer fluid and a substance. The second heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the substance. In particular, the second heat transfer fluid is already heated by a second coolant fluid.

[0086] Preferably, this method includes a step of compressing a first refrigerant fluid. This step is performed before heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid. Preferably, this step is performed by a first compressor 5.

[0087] Preferably, this method includes the step of expanding a first refrigerant fluid. This step is performed after heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid. Preferably, this step is performed by a first expansion valve 7.

[0088] Preferably, this method includes the step of compressing a second refrigerant fluid. This step is performed before heat exchange between the second heat transfer fluid and the second refrigerant fluid.

[0089] For example, the second refrigerant fluid is compressed from 60°C and 10 bar to 125°C and 40 bar. It then transfers heat to the second heat transfer fluid, dropping to 70°C. Finally, it is heated by the first refrigerant fluid to 80°C and 10 bar. Cooling is achieved by condensing the first refrigerant fluid.

[0090] For example, the first refrigerant fluid is 70°C before heat exchange with the second refrigerant fluid, but is squeezed out at 5°C.

[0091] Preferably, this method includes a step of heat exchange between a first heat transfer fluid and a substance. The substance is cooled by the first heat transfer fluid.

[0092] Preferably, the first heat transfer fluid is used to regulate the temperature of a reaction induced in a substance by heat exchange with the second heat transfer fluid.

[0093] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid are different from each other. In this specification, "different" means that the first refrigerant fluid is a different substance from the second refrigerant fluid. In other words, their chemical properties are different.

[0094] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A, R134, or R552A. Alternatively, any refrigerant fluid of the HFC and HFO type with a GWP of less than 10 can be used. Or, the first refrigerant fluid is subcritical CO2.

[0095] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A.

[0096] Preferably, the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd, R1234yf, or R1234ze. Alternatively, any HFO type refrigerant fluid with a GWP of less than 2500 can be used. Or, the second refrigerant fluid may be butane, propane, or pentane.

[0097] Preferably, the first refrigerant fluid is R513A and the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd. This combination is particularly advantageous in terms of heat pump efficiency and experimental tests have shown it to be the best possible combination for the desired temperature.

[0098] Preferably, this method includes the step of generating steam by heat exchange with a second heat transfer fluid. Preferably, the generated steam is recompressed by a compressor 102 such as a venturi ejector.

[0099] This invention achieves significant advantages.

[0100] First, the proposed heat pump module can produce both low-temperature and high-temperature heat transfer fluids. Assuming equal energy consumption, a heat pump with a single refrigerant fluid circuit cannot produce cooling.

[0101] In addition, the proposed heat pump module can provide high-temperature heat transfer fluid up to 135°C, and as a result, in the case of steam generation, the steam can reach up to 180°C thanks to the venturi ejector.

[0102] In addition, the proposed heat pump module can function without an external cooling or heating source. The cooling source of the heat pump module 1 is a first heat transfer fluid. The amount of heat drawn from the first heat transfer fluid can be supplied from a unit that consumes cooling energy, such as a refrigerator or cooling means, or from device 101, where the heat transfer from the second heat transfer fluid to a substance can be temperature-controlled using the first heat transfer fluid. The heating source of the heat pump module 1 is a second heat transfer fluid. The amount of heat carried by the second heat transfer fluid can be injected into a unit that consumes heat, such as a heating means.

[0103] Experimental tests revealed that the proposed heat pump module has an efficiency that falls between 4.5 and 8 (COP value, "Coefficient of Performance").

[0104] This means that this heat pump module and plant can be used in all contexts where such high temperatures are required for reaction activation, such as in the chemical industry.

[0105] This has many advantages, as it produces no CO2 emissions and can replace existing gas heating systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Heat pump module 2. First circuit 3. Second circuit 4. First heat exchanger 4a Entrance 4b exit 4c entrance 4d exit 5. First Compressor 6. Second heat exchanger 6a entrance 6b exit 6c entrance 6d exit 7. First expansion valve 8. Second compressor 9. Third heat exchanger 9a entrance 9b exit 9c entrance 9d exit 10 Economizer 10a First entrance 10b First Exit 10c Second entrance 10d Second exit 11 Branches 12 Third expansion valve 13 Liquid receiving device 14. Second expansion valve 15 Capillaries 100 plants 101 Heat exchange equipment 102 Compressor 103 First buffer tank

Claims

1. A first circuit (2) for a first refrigerant fluid and a second circuit (3) for a second refrigerant fluid, A first heat exchanger (4) is arranged on the first circuit (2) for heat exchange between the first refrigerant fluid and the first heat transfer fluid, A first compressor (5) is located downstream of the first heat exchanger (4) on the first circuit (2), A second heat exchanger (6) interposed between the first circuit (2) and the second circuit (3) for transferring heat from the first refrigerant fluid to the second refrigerant fluid and condensing the second refrigerant fluid, the second heat exchanger (6) being located downstream of the first compressor (5) on the first circuit (2), A first expansion valve (7) is positioned between the second heat exchanger (6) and the first heat exchanger (4) on the first circuit (2), A second compressor (8) is located downstream of the second heat exchanger (6) on the second circuit (3), A third heat exchanger (9) is located downstream of the second compressor (8) on the second circuit (3) for heat exchange between the second refrigerant fluid and the second heat transfer fluid, A second expansion valve (14) is positioned between the third heat exchanger (9) and the second heat exchanger (6) on the second circuit (3), A heat pump module (1) including the following.

2. The heat pump module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant fluid is R513A and the second refrigerant fluid is R1233zd.

3. The heat pump module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second refrigerant fluid is introduced to the third heat exchanger (9) at a temperature between 80°C and 125°C.

4. A heat pump module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an economizer (10) disposed on the first circuit (2), wherein the economizer (10) is arranged such that the first refrigerant fluid between the second heat exchanger (6) and the first heat exchanger (4) passes through a first inlet (10a) and a first outlet (10b) of the economizer (10), and the first circuit (2) includes a branch (11) that starts between the first outlet (10b) of the economizer (10) and the first heat exchanger (4) and sends the first refrigerant fluid to a second inlet (10c) and a second outlet (10d) of the economizer (10) and then to the first compressor (5).

5. The heat pump module (1) according to claim 4, comprising a liquid receiving device (13) positioned on the first circuit (2) between the first outlet (10b) of the economizer (10) and the beginning of the branch (11).

6. A heat pump module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A heat exchanger (101) which is operationally related to at least the second heat transfer fluid, A plant (100) including this.

7. The plant (100) according to claim 6, wherein the device (101) is a steam generator, and the plant (100) includes a compressor (102) downstream of the device (101).

8. The plant (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the apparatus (101) is also operationally related to the first heat transfer fluid.

9. The plant (100) according to claim 8, wherein the plant is configured such that the first heat transfer fluid temperature-regulates a reaction caused by heat exchange between a substance and the second heat transfer fluid.

10. A plant (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising at least one unit that consumes cold energy, wherein the plant comprises means for transferring cold energy from the first heat transfer fluid to the at least one unit.

11. The steps include circulating a first refrigerant fluid within a first circuit (2), The step of circulating the first refrigerant fluid includes a step of exchanging heat between the first refrigerant fluid and the first heat transfer fluid so that the first heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the first refrigerant fluid and causes it to evaporate, The steps include circulating the second refrigerant fluid within the second circuit (3), The step of circulating the second refrigerant fluid includes a step of exchanging heat between the second refrigerant fluid and the second heat transfer fluid so that the second heat transfer fluid receives heat from the second refrigerant fluid, A step of exchanging heat between the first refrigerant fluid and the second refrigerant fluid so that the first refrigerant fluid transfers heat to the second refrigerant fluid and condenses, the step of performing the second refrigerant fluid following the step of exchanging heat between the second refrigerant fluid and the second heat transfer fluid, A step of exchanging heat between the second heat transfer fluid and a substance, the step being performed after the second heat transfer fluid has received heat from the second refrigerant fluid, A method for heating a substance, including [a specific substance].

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of exchanging heat between the second refrigerant fluid and the second heat transfer fluid is performed while the second refrigerant fluid is at a temperature between 80°C and 125°C.

13. A method for using the plant according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second heat transfer fluid is used to heat a substance through the heat exchanger (101), and the first heat transfer fluid is used to temperature control the heating.

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