A system for producing hot water in livestock farms.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for producing hot water on a livestock farm, comprising a thermodynamic water heater (2) including a water-to-water heat pump (4) connected to at least one return circuit (5, 6) having (a) at least one comfort mat (5) including several fluid-tight cavities (77) intended to contain a heat transfer fluid, the fluid-tight cavities (77) being located at least partially below at least one containment zone (71), and (b) circulation means (8, 51) for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the return circuit (5, 6) through the at least one comfort mat (7). [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of hot water production systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a hot water production system designed to include a livestock farm.

Background Art

[0002] In livestock farming, generally, a large amount of hot water is required.

[0003] For example, in dairy livestock (cows, goats, sheep), hot water is required to wash milking machines, milk tanks, or milking parlors.

[0004] Currently, hot water production can account for a significant portion of the energy consumption in livestock farming.

[0005] This is particularly true when this hot water is produced by a simple electric water heater.

[0006] To significantly reduce this energy consumption item, farms currently - a hot water storage tank, and - an air-to-water heat pump for heating the water stored in this tank can be equipped with a so-called "thermodynamic" water heater including.

[0007] The air-to-water heat pump has two circuits, namely, - a recovery circuit for recovering the thermal energy present in the ambient air, and - a heating circuit connected to the tank and intended to heat the water contained in this tank in order to restore the thermal energy is connected to.

[0008] However, in practice, the "actual" coefficient of performance (i.e., COP: coefficient of performance) of such a system is generally lower than its "theoretical" value.

[0009] This difference is mainly explained by the temperature change of the cryogenic medium (cryogenic source). The temperature of the cryogenic medium (cryogenic source) is often too low.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a system for producing hot water in livestock farms in which the energy performance (especially the COP) of the thermodynamic water heater is optimized, or even improved. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To address the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the present invention proposes a system for producing hot water in a livestock farm.

[0012] The system includes a thermodynamic water heater, which contains a heat pump intended for heating water.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the heat pump consists of a water-water type heat pump connected to at least one recovery circuit, the at least one recovery circuit being for recovering thermal energy, and a heat transfer fluid circulating inside it.

[0014] The at least one recovery circuit is, (a) comprising at least one elastomer layer and having two opposing surfaces, i.e., - A top surface that is adapted to undergo elastic deformation and includes at least one accommodation area intended for an animal to rest on, - The bottom surface is intended to rest on the receiving surface, A comfort mat having at least one, The at least one comfort mat includes several sealed cavities intended to contain the heat transfer fluid, The sealed cavity is located below at least a portion of the at least one containment area. At least one comfort mat, (b) a circulation stage for generating circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the recovery circuit, including within the at least one comfort mat Ring hand and, including.

[0015] Such a system has the advantage of recovering the thermal energy of a livestock farm (in particular, the thermal energy generated by animals) and heating water.

[0016] This system has particularly interesting energy performance (in particular with respect to the COP measured by a thermodynamic water heater).

[0017] For example, in a farm that receives 100 cows with an ambient temperature of 20 °C and an ambient humidity of 50%, the COP is 2.5, and hot water at 65 °C is about 9 m per day , ,

[0021] , ,

[0022] , , can be manufactured.

[0018] This system is also of interest in its involvement in the thermal comfort of animals in summer by cooling the heat transfer fluid by passing it through a water-to-water heat pump.

[0019] This system is also of interest in the regularity and control of the thermal energy recovered via the at least one recovery circuit, which is stable regardless of the ambient conditions (in particular the ambient temperature).

[0020] In practice, the heat transfer fluid circulating within the comfort mat ensures the recovery of thermal energy. This recovered thermal energy is transmitted to the water to be heated via a heat pump.

[0021] Conversely, the heat transfer fluid is cooled by passing through this same heat pump. Thus, to cool the animals present and thus limit the rise in the body temperature of the animals, the comfort mat is also cooled on its surface by the heat transfer fluid.

[0022] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the system according to the present invention, as interpreted individually or in any technically possible combination, are as follows: - The at least one recovery circuit comprises at least one recovery circuit, i.e., a primary recovery circuit that works in cooperation with a water-water heat pump and through which a primary heat transfer fluid circulates, and the at least one comfort mat and the circulation The system includes a primary recovery circuit through which a secondary heat transfer fluid circulates, wherein the primary recovery circuit and the secondary recovery circuit cooperate via a passive water-water heat exchanger means to ensure heat exchange between the primary heat transfer fluid and the secondary heat transfer fluid, in which case the system preferably includes at least one primary recovery circuit comprising at least two secondary recovery circuits in parallel, or at least two parallel primary recovery circuits, each comprising at least one secondary recovery circuit. - The system comprises the at least one recovery circuit to regulate the circulation of heat transfer fluid within the at least one recovery circuit. circulation Includes means for controlling the means. - The passive water-water heat exchanger means includes two different internal fluid circuits, namely, a first internal fluid circuit for connecting to a first recovery circuit from among two different internal fluid circuits, i.e., a primary recovery circuit or a secondary recovery circuit, and a second internal fluid circuit for connecting to the other recovery circuit from among the secondary recovery circuit and the primary recovery circuit, respectively. Preferably, the passive water-water heat exchanger means includes a hollow body, the hollow body defines a chamber, and the chamber includes two different internal fluid circuits, namely, a first internal fluid circuit which includes tubes, the tubes are placed within the chamber, have two through-holes, the two through-holes open from the hollow body and connect to the primary recovery circuit or the secondary recovery circuit, and a second internal fluid circuit which is formed by the chamber with two ducts, the two ducts each have a through-hole that opens from the hollow body and connects to the other recovery circuit, and a through-hole that opens into the chamber and enables fluid circulation between the ducts within the chamber. According to another feature, the first internal fluid circuit of the passive water-water heat exchanger means is connected to the secondary recovery circuit, and the secondary internal fluid circuit of the passive water-water heat exchanger means is connected to the primary recovery circuit. - The sealed cavities of the at least one comfort mat extend parallel to each other or at least substantially parallel to each other, each of the sealed cavities has a linear elongated shape, and the at least one comfort mat advantageously includes two longitudinal edges, and the sealed cavities extend parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges. - The at least one comfort mat includes at least one sealed chamber disposed between the sealed cavity and the upper surface of the mat for the purpose of containing a damping fluid, and the at least one comfort mat includes at least one through-hole for accessing the at least one sealed chamber. - The at least one comfort mat is manufactured as a single piece, and the at least one comfort mat directly defines the sealed cavity and, optionally, the at least one sealed chamber. - The thermodynamic water heater includes a hot water storage tank coupled to a heat pump, the tank preferably includes a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet, and the hot water storage tank preferably includes a hot water outlet connected to a hot water washing means of a livestock farm.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a livestock farm equipped with a system according to the present invention, wherein the thermodynamic water heater is advantageously housed in a machine room.

[0024] The livestock farm advantageously includes a livestock pen. The at least one comfort mat covers the ground of at least one of the livestock pens, and the at least one comfort mat includes a plurality of sealed cavities extending within at least one of the livestock pens.

[0025] Preferably, the livestock farm includes at least two rows of pens, and the farm includes at least two secondary recovery circuits, each having at least one row of pens.

[0026] The livestock farm advantageously includes a hot water washing means (or more generally, a hot water circuit), the thermodynamic water heater includes a hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank includes a hot water outlet connected to the hot water washing means (or more generally, a hot water circuit of the livestock farm).

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for producing hot water in a livestock farm according to the present invention.

[0028] This method includes, in particular, the following operations: - In the primary recovery circuit, the primary heat transfer fluid is circulated at a first pressure value (for example, a pressure of 2-5 bar). - In the secondary recovery circuit, the secondary heat transfer fluid is circulated at a second pressure value lower than the first pressure value (for example, at a pressure of approximately 600 mbar).

[0029] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments The following description, provided by non-limiting examples and relating to the attached drawings, will allow for a good understanding of what the present invention consists of and how it may be carried out. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the main components of a system for producing hot water in a livestock farm according to the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic plan view shows a first embodiment of a livestock farm equipped with the system according to the present invention. This system includes several secondary recovery circuits mounted in series on the same primary recovery circuit. [Figure 3] A second embodiment of a livestock farm equipped with the system according to the present invention is schematically shown in a plan view. This system includes several pairs of parallel primary / secondary recovery circuits. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figure 1 schematically shows a system 1 for producing hot water in a livestock farm E according to the present invention.

[0032] In general, the system 1 according to the present invention includes a thermodynamic water heater (TWH) coupled to a comfort mat through which a heat transfer fluid circulates in order to recover thermal energy (particularly thermal energy generated by animals) within a livestock farm E and regenerate this thermal energy for the production of hot water.

[0033] Livestock farms and barns The livestock farm E, schematically shown in Figures 1 to 3, advantageously consists of barns for raising cattle, particularly dairy cows or beef cattle.

[0034] This livestock farm E advantageously includes bedding boxes.

[0035] The bedding boxes described herein consist of at least one row of livestock pens L. A livestock farm E generally includes at least two rows T (or lines) of livestock pens L (Figures 2 and 3).

[0036] The livestock pen L strikes a compromise between providing a comfortable sleeping place for the cows, considering standing / lying movements, allowing for a comfortable upright posture, and minimizing dirt in the pen.

[0037] Each livestock pen L is essentially constructed using conventional methods, and as schematically shown in Figure 1, - For example, two lateral partitions L1 of a tubular structure, - Rear edge L2 of the livestock pen extending along the access passage, - The front frame L3, which forms the rear of the livestock pen L, preferably includes an upper bar at the dorsal crest and a lower stopping section (or forward limiting section), - For example, concrete slab ground L4, The boundary is defined by [the specified method / framework].

[0038] Hot water production system System 1 advantageously includes a thermodynamic water heater 2 placed inside the machine room of the breeding facility E.

[0039] The thermodynamic water heater 2 described herein has two main components (Figure 1), namely, - Hot water storage tank 3, and - A water-to-water heat pump 4 (also called "heat pump 4") is installed to recover thermal energy from within the breeding area E and heat water (preferably water stored in tank 3). Includes.

[0040] "Tank 3" advantageously refers to a thermally insulated reservoir or tank intended for holding hot water.

[0041] Tank 3, in particular, the connection part, that is, - For example, a "cold" water inlet 31 connected to the water network of livestock farm E, and - Advantageously, the hot water circuit 33 of the livestock farm E, preferably the "hot" water outlet 32 ​​connected to the hot water washing means 33 of the livestock farm E, Includes.

[0042] "Heat pump 4" refers to a device for transferring thermal energy (calories) from a low-temperature medium (low-temperature source) to a high-temperature medium (high-temperature source).

[0043] In this specification, the heat pump 4 is selected from among water-water heat pumps. Thermal energy is transferred from a first heat transfer fluid intended for thermal energy recovery to a second heat transfer fluid intended for regenerating thermal energy and heating water (stored in tank 3 in this specification).

[0044] The heat pump 4 advantageously includes a closed circuit, which includes a refrigerant fluid and comprises the following four main elements (not shown) arranged in series. - A condenser (high-temperature source) that releases the heat of the refrigerant fluid (directly or indirectly) to the heated water (water in tank 3 in this specification) by changing it from a gaseous state to a liquid state. - A pressure reducing valve intended to lower the pressure of the liquid phase refrigerant fluid. - An evaporator (low temperature source) that extracts heat from the heat transfer fluid coming from the breeding area E and evaporates the refrigerant fluid, and - A compressor that operates using an electric motor to increase the pressure and temperature of a gaseous refrigerant fluid by compressing it.

[0045] On the other hand, the connection between the heat pump 4 and the tank 3 may take one of the following two alternative forms. - Direct mounting where the condenser circulates directly within tank 3 to heat the water, or - A "hot water" heating circuit 41 (with a circulator) is placed between the condenser and the tank 3, and is "indirectly" mounted to regenerate the thermal energy generated by the heat pump 4 to heat the water contained in the tank 3.

[0046] Therefore, the "hot water" heating circuit 41 includes a series of ducts that form a closed circuit for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0047] As a complement or alternative, the "hot water" heating circuit 41 may be arranged to form a heating circuit within a building (e.g., a livestock farm or an adjacent building).

[0048] On the other hand, the heat pump 4, particularly its evaporator, is connected to at least one recovery circuit 5, 6 through which a heat transfer fluid circulates.

[0049] According to the present invention, the at least one circulation circuit 5, 6 is located within the rearing facility E to recover thermal energy within the rearing facility E, in particular thermal energy released by the animals.

[0050] For this purpose, the at least one recovery circuit 5, 6 includes a series of ducts, which include the following: - At least one comfort mat 7 having a sealed cavity intended for the movement of a heat transfer fluid, and - For generating circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a sealed cavity comprising at least one comfort mat 7 circulation Means 8.

[0051] Comfortable Mat System 1 of this specification advantageously includes at least one continuous comfort mat 7 covering the ground L4 of an aligned livestock pen L.

[0052] Therefore, this comfort mat 7 includes several accommodation areas 71 adjacent to each other along the length of the comfort mat 7. Alternatively (not shown), each pen L may include its own comfort mat 7, thus defining one accommodation area 71.

[0053] Comfort Mat 7 has two pairs of edges (Figure 1), that is, - Two longitudinal edges, namely, a rear longitudinal edge 72 that extends along the rear edge L2 of the installed livestock enclosure L, and a front longitudinal edge 73 that extends along the front frame L3 of the livestock enclosure L line, - Two transverse edges 74 located on the lateral partition wall L1 between two livestock pens L at the end of the line, It has a roughly rectangular shape with boundaries defined by [a certain factor].

[0054] Comfort Mat 7 also has two opposing surfaces, namely, - An upper surface 75 that is adapted to undergo elastic deformation and forms a dwelling area 71 intended for an animal to rest on, and - The lower surface 76 is intended to rest on the ground L4 of the livestock pen L. Includes.

[0055] Each containment area 71 of the comfort mat 7 is intended in this specification to contain an animal.

[0056] Therefore, each containment area 71 corresponds to the ground surface L4 of the livestock shed L, and its lateral boundaries are defined by two lateral partitions L1.

[0057] Therefore, each containment area 71 has a roughly rectangular shape, with its boundaries defined by the following different edges. - Two lateral edges 711 (shown in a fairly schematic manner in Figures 2 and 3) are located in alignment with the lateral partition wall L1 of the livestock pen L. - The rear edge portion 712 adjacent to the rear edge L2 of the livestock enclosure L (forming a part of the rear long lateral edge portion 72 of the comfort mat 7), and - The front edge portion 713 adjacent to the front frame L3 of the livestock pen L (forming a part of the front long lateral edge portion 73 of the comfort mat 7).

[0058] Furthermore, the Comfort Mat 7 includes at least one elastomer layer.

[0059] This comfort mat 7 can, advantageously, be manufactured as a single component from this elastomer material. Therefore, the comfort mat 7 may also be called the "elastomer layer 7".

[0060] This elastomer layer is made of at least one material, also called an "elastic material," that is adapted to undergo elastic deformation, selected from the following: - Elastomer materials, i.e., natural rubber, "synthetic natural" rubber (or synthetic polyisoprene), polybutadiene, or styrene-butadiene, - Plastic or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials, i.e., PVB (polyvinyl butyral), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) / SBR (styrene butadiene), PP (polypropylene) / EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPU (polyurethane-based TPE).

[0061] This elastomer layer is advantageously fabricated as a single component, either from a single material or from multiple materials (having at least two superimposed sublayers made of different materials).

[0062] The elastomer layer may also include a reinforcing sublayer selected from textile fibers, metal fibers, or any other product that provides stability and / or stretch resistance.

[0063] These reinforcing sublayers consist of textile inserts that function as reinforcements, for example, advantageously made from materials selected from nylon, cotton, polyester, polyamide, or any other reinforcing textiles.

[0064] The comfort mat 7 further includes several sealed cavities 77 intended to contain a heat transfer fluid. These sealed cavities 77 are advantageously formed within the at least one elastomer layer.

[0065] The sealed cavities 77 are adjacent to each other and each lies beneath a portion of the containment area 71 of the comfort mat 7. In other words, the containment area 71 of the comfort mat 7 lies beneath the existing sealed cavities 77.

[0066] For this purpose, each sealed cavity 77 consists of a tubular structure having a linear, elongated shape that defines a longitudinal axis 77'.

[0067] In this specification, these sealed cavities 77 number six. Generally, the number of sealed cavities 77 advantageously includes four to ten.

[0068] The sealed cavity 77 is distributed within a plane P that extends parallel to the surfaces 75 and 76 of the comfort mat 7.

[0069] Therefore, these sealed cavities 77 (in particular, their respective longitudinal axes 77') extend parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the surfaces 75, 76 of the comfort mat 7.

[0070] Therefore, these sealed cavities 77 (in particular, their respective longitudinal axes 77') also extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal edges 72, 73 of the comfort mat 7, or at least substantially parallel to each other.

[0071] Therefore, each sealed cavity 77 includes a continuous section that extends between the lateral edges 711 of each containment area 71 and is perpendicular to the lateral edges 711 of each containment area 71.

[0072] Each sealed cavity 77 is intended to contain a heat transfer fluid, which circulates along the length of each sealed cavity 77 to recover thermal energy and, advantageously, regulate the temperature of the upper surface 75 of the comfort mat 7.

[0073] For this purpose, each sealed cavity 77 is terminated by two through holes 771, each of which is located at one of the transverse edges 74 of the comfort mat 7.

[0074] These through-holes 771 enable fluid communication with at least one of the recovery circuits 5 and 6.

[0075] The sealed cavities 77 are fluidly independent of each other in this specification. In this case, perforation of one of the sealed cavities 77 will not cause the discharge of all the sealed cavities in the comfort mat 7.

[0076] Therefore, each sealed cavity 77 includes two through-holes 771 suitable for circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0077] The through-holes 771 described herein open directly at the transverse edge 74 of the comfort mat 7.

[0078] The through-hole 771 is advantageously obtained by cutting the elastomer layer to a predetermined length along a cutting line oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal edge 74.

[0079] In fact, the elastomer layer is advantageously stored before installation in rolls several meters long, especially those exceeding 3 meters in length.

[0080] This roll embodiment is of interest in enabling the easy and quick installation of comfort mats 7 in the livestock enclosure E by unwinding them along the lines of the livestock enclosure L and then cutting them appropriately to the desired length along these lines.

[0081] Furthermore, the at least one elastomer layer advantageously includes at least one sealed chamber positioned between the sealed cavity 77 and the upper surface 75 of the mat 7, which is intended to contain a damping fluid.

[0082] The at least one elastomer layer includes at least one through-hole for accessing the at least one sealed chamber.

[0083] The at least one elastomer layer is advantageously manufactured as a single piece, and the elastomer layer directly defines the sealed cavity 77, and optionally the at least one sealed chamber.

[0084] Generally, such comfort mats are described, for example, in French Patent Application Publication No. 1559804 / International Publication No. 2017 / 064417.

[0085] Primary recovery circuit and secondary recovery circuit According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the at least one recovery circuit 5, 6 is advantageously coordinated with at least two recovery circuits 5, 6 in series via a heat exchanger means 9, i.e., - Heat pump 4, in particular working with its evaporator, and at least one primary recovery circuit 5 through which a primary heat transfer fluid circulates, - The at least one comfort mat 7 and the circulation The means 8 includes at least one secondary recovery circuit 6 through which a secondary heat transfer fluid circulates. Includes.

[0086] On the one hand, the primary recovery circuit 5 includes a series of ducts or pipes intended to contain the primary heat transfer fluid and ensure the circulation of the primary heat transfer fluid between the heat pump 4 and the heat exchanger means 9.

[0087] The primary heat transfer fluid is advantageously selected from among liquids, such as water or a water / glycol mixture.

[0088] The primary recovery circuit 5 described herein consists of a closed circuit comprising the following two parts, separated by the heat exchanger means 9 and the heat pump 4 (Figure 1). - The upstream portion 5a extending from the heat pump 4 to the heat exchanger means 9, - Downstream portion 5b extending from heat exchanger means 9 to heat pump 4.

[0089] The primary recovery circuit 5 includes means 51 for generating circulation of this primary heat transfer fluid, also referred to herein as “circulation means” along a loop.

[0090] "Circulation means" refers to, for example, a centrifugal pump-type electric pump.

[0091] The primary recovery circuit 5 may also include pressure regulator means and / or flow rate regulator means.

[0092] Therefore, the pressure within this primary recovery circuit 5 is advantageously adjusted to a value of approximately 2-5 bar.

[0093] On the other hand, the secondary recovery circuit 6 also includes a series of ducts or pipes for accommodating a secondary heat transfer fluid, which is associated with the comfort mat 7.

[0094] This secondary recovery circuit 6 is provided to ensure the circulation of the secondary heat transfer fluid between the heat exchanger means 9 and the comfort mat 7.

[0095] The secondary heat transfer fluid is advantageously selected from among liquids, such as water or a water / glycol mixture.

[0096] The secondary recovery circuit 6 described herein consists of a closed circuit comprising the following two parts, separated by the comfort mat 7 and the heat exchanger means 9. - The upstream portion 6a extending from the comfort mat 7 to the heat exchanger means 9, and - Downstream portion 6b extending from heat exchanger means 9 to comfort mat 7.

[0097] The secondary recovery circuit 6 also includes means 8 for generating circulation of this secondary heat transfer fluid, which are also referred to herein as “circulation means” along the loop.

[0098] "Circulation means" refers to, for example, a centrifugal pump-type electric pump.

[0099] In particular, the secondary recovery circuit 6 ensures the distribution and parallel circulation of the secondary heat transfer fluid along the sealed cavity 77 of the corresponding comfort mat 7.

[0100] The secondary recovery circuit 6 includes the following for this purpose: - Upstream fluid communication means for fluid supply, connected in parallel to the through-hole 771 of the sealed cavity 77 located at the first transverse edge 74 of the comfort mat 7, and - Downstream fluid communication means for recovering the discharged fluid, connected in parallel to the through-hole 771 of the sealed cavity 77 located at the second transverse edge 74 of the comfort mat 7.

[0101] Each upstream / downstream fluid communication means includes, for example, a clarinet-type device to ensure parallel circulation of the heat transfer fluid within each sealed cavity 77.

[0102] The connection between the clarinet section and the adjacent through-hole 771 is, advantageously, made via a mechanical sealing means.

[0103] The upstream fluid communication means may also, advantageously, include pressure regulator means and / or flow rate regulator means.

[0104] Therefore, the pressure inside the sealed cavity 77, and more generally the pressure inside the secondary recovery circuit 6, is adjusted to a pressure of, for example, 200 mbar to 1 bar (for example, approximately 600 mbar).

[0105] Furthermore, the heat exchanger means 9 is advantageously comprised of a passive water-water heat exchanger means to ensure heat exchange between the primary heat transfer fluid and the secondary heat transfer fluid.

[0106] The heat exchanger means 9 may be selected from among conventional heat exchangers (such as multi-tube heat exchangers and plate heat exchangers) that include two fluid circuits through which two fluids move to obtain heat exchange between these two fluids.

[0107] In this specification, the heat exchanger means 9 includes a hollow body 91 which defines a chamber 92 that houses two internal fluid circuits 93, 94 through which one of two fluids moves.

[0108] The hollow body 91 and its chamber 92 have, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0109] The chamber 92 includes, in particular, a vertical longitudinal axis 92' and two opposite ends, namely an upper end 921 and a lower end 922.

[0110] The first internal fluid circuit 93 is, for example, in the form of a spiral-shaped tube and is placed inside the chamber 92.

[0111] This tube is made of a thermally conductive material to enable heat exchange between the fluid present in the tube 93 and the fluid filling the chamber 92.

[0112] This first internal fluid circuit 93 comprises two superimposed holes 931 and 932 that face each other and are positioned vertically, with the two holes 931 and 932, namely the upper hole 931 and the lower hole 932, opening out of the hollow body 91.

[0113] This first internal fluid circuit 93 is connected to a secondary recovery circuit 6, as is the case herein.

[0114] Preferably, this secondary recovery circuit 6 is - The upstream section 6a is connected to the upper hole 931, - The downstream portion 6b is connected to the lower hole 932, It is connected to the first internal fluid circuit 93.

[0115] In other words, the secondary recovery circuit 6 is connected to the first internal fluid circuit 93 such that the secondary heat transfer fluid enters through the upper hole 931 and exits through the lower hole 932.

[0116] The second internal fluid circuit 94 is formed by a chamber 92 comprising two ducts, namely an upper duct 941 and a lower duct 942.

[0117] These ducts 941 and 942 are each located at one of the two ends 921 and 922 of the chamber 92.

[0118] For example, the first upper duct 941 is located at the upper end 921 of the chamber 92, and the second lower duct 942 is located at the lower end 922 of the chamber 92.

[0119] These two ducts 941 and 942 each contain the following two holes: - First external holes 9411, 9421, and that open out from the hollow body 91 and connect to the primary recovery circuit 5. - Second internal holes 9412, 9422 that open into the chamber 92 and allow fluid circulation between the duct 941 and duct 942 within the chamber 92.

[0120] In this specification, the second internal fluid circuit 94 is connected to the primary recovery circuit 5. Therefore, the primary heat transfer fluid is intended to fill the chamber 92 and immerse the first internal fluid circuit 93.

[0121] Preferably, the second internal fluid circuit 94 is connected to the primary recovery circuit 5 such that its upstream portion 5a is connected to the lower duct 942 and its downstream portion 5b is connected to the upper duct 941.

[0122] In other words, the primary recovery circuit 5 is connected to the second internal fluid circuit 94 such that the primary heat transfer fluid (low temperature) enters through the lower duct 942 and exits (is heated) through the upper duct 941.

[0123] Alternatively (not shown), a single recovery circuit 5, 6 comprises, on the one hand, a heat pump 4 (particularly its evaporator), and on the other hand, at least one comfort mat 7 and the circulation It can cooperate with means 8.

[0124] Embodiment of a recovery circuit The primary recovery circuit 5 and the secondary recovery circuit 6 may be customized and arranged, taking into account the configuration of the livestock pen L within the breeding facility E.

[0125] Generally, as shown in a fairly schematic manner in Figures 2 and 3, the recovery circuits 5 and 6 include several secondary recovery circuits 6, each of which is equipped with a comfort mat 7 covering a series (or row) of livestock pens L.

[0126] For example, a comfort mat 7 equipped with a secondary recovery circuit 6 may, advantageously, include 20 to 70 storage areas 71.

[0127] In particular, the rearing facility E advantageously includes at least two secondary recovery circuits 6, each comprising at least one row T of livestock pens L.

[0128] More preferably, the secondary recovery circuit 6 includes two symmetrical comfort mats 7 (each containing several consecutive containment areas 71), and its sealed cavity 77 is - The first comfort mat 7 forms the forward section of the secondary recovery circuit 6, - The second comfort mat 7 forms the return section of the secondary recovery circuit 6. They are connected to each other in a fluid manner.

[0129] Alternatively, the secondary recovery circuit 6 includes a comfort mat 7 (including several consecutive containment areas 71), and its sealed cavity 77 is - At least one sealed cavity 77 forms the forward section of the secondary recovery circuit 6, - At least one sealed cavity 77 forms the return section of the secondary recovery circuit 6. They are fluidly connected to each other in this manner.

[0130] Figures 2 and 3 schematically show possible embodiments.

[0131] According to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, the system 1 includes a single primary recovery circuit 5, which includes at least two secondary recovery circuits 6 (one secondary recovery circuit 6 per column T) in parallel.

[0132] In this case, each secondary recovery circuit 6 cooperates with the primary recovery circuit 5 via the heat exchanger means 9.

[0133] Furthermore, the primary recovery circuit 5 is arranged to connect the different heat exchanger means 9 in series. Therefore, the primary heat transfer fluid moves continuously through these consecutive heat exchanger means 9.

[0134] In this specification, the primary recovery circuit 5 includes the following: - Upstream portion 5a extending from heat pump 4 to heat exchanger means 9, - The downstream portion 5b extending from the last heat exchanger means 9 to the heat pump 4, and - Between the two heat exchanger means 9, as specified herein, is an intermediate portion 5c extending from the upper duct 941 of the heat exchanger means 9 to the lower duct 942 of the downstream heat exchanger means 9.

[0135] According to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3 (which still corresponds to Figure 1), System 1 includes several parallel pairs of primary recovery circuits 5 and secondary recovery circuits 6.

[0136] In this case, the primary recovery circuit 5 and its corresponding secondary recovery circuit 6 cooperate via appropriate heat exchanger means 9.

[0137] Therefore, within each pair, the primary heat transfer fluid moves only through the heat exchanger means 9 of that pair.

[0138] Control means System 1 also advantageously includes the heat pump 4 and at least one recovery circuit 5, 6. circulation Includes means 10 for controlling means 8, 51.

[0139] In particular, the control means 10 includes a secondary recovery circuit 6 and a primary recovery circuit 5. circulation The system comprises a control means 10 (electronic and / or computer-type) adapted to control means 8, 51.

[0140] This configuration allows for adjustment of the circulation of the following heat transfer fluids within each recovery circuit 5 and 6. - The secondary heat transfer fluid in each of these secondary recovery circuits 6, and - Primary heat transfer fluid in at least one primary recovery circuit 5.

[0141] operation The thermodynamic water heater 2 is connected to at least one of the recovery circuits 5 and 6, and optionally to the heating circuit 41.

[0142] Therefore, the control means 10 can advantageously automatically control the operation of the thermodynamic water heater 2 and the operation of the at least one recovery circuit 5, 6 by taking into account the demand for hot water.

[0143] To produce hot water, the control means 10 starts the heat pump 4 and the at least one corresponding recovery circuit 5, 6 to recover thermal energy within the livestock enclosure E (particularly the thermal energy generated by the animals on the comfort mat 7) and transfer this thermal energy to the water to be heated.

[0144] More precisely, the heat transfer fluid circulates within different recovery circuits 5 and 6 as described herein. That is, - The secondary heat transfer fluid circulates in at least one of the secondary recovery circuits 6 (including the at least one comfort mat 7) under the operation of the circulation means 8 (for example, at a pressure of 600 mbar) to recover the thermal energy generated by the animal. - The primary heat transfer fluid circulates within the at least one primary recovery circuit 5 (for example, at a pressure of approximately 2-5 bar) under the operation of the circulation means 51 in order to transfer thermal energy from the secondary recovery circuit 6 to the heat pump 4 (via the heat exchanger means 9).

[0145] In particular, although not limited by any theory, the thermal energy generated by animals is transferred to secondary heat transfer fluids through the phenomenon of heat conduction.

[0146] To transfer this thermal energy, the heat exchange described herein takes place within the heat exchanger means 9, on the one hand, between a secondary heat transfer fluid contained in its secondary recovery circuit 6 and on the other hand, between a primary heat transfer fluid contained in its primary recovery circuit 5.

[0147] In the secondary recovery circuit 6, the secondary heat transfer fluids of this specification move in parallel within the sealed cavities 77. The flow of the secondary heat transfer fluids is divided so that it passes through these sealed cavities 77 simultaneously.

[0148] This circulation of the heat transfer fluid also occurs in the same direction within the adjacent sealed cavity 77. Thus, the fluid moves from the through-hole 771 located at the first transverse edge 74 of the comfort mat 7 (on the right in Figure 1) to the through-hole 771 located at the second transverse edge 74 of the comfort mat 7 (on the left in Figure 1).

[0149] During this hot water production process, the primary heat transfer fluid and the secondary heat transfer fluid advantageously circulate continuously within the at least one primary recovery circuit 5 and the at least one secondary recovery circuit 6, respectively.

[0150] Alternatively, within each secondary recovery circuit 6, if the temperature of the secondary heat transfer fluid is below the minimum temperature that would cause discomfort to animals, the circulation of the secondary heat transfer fluid can be stopped.

[0151] In fact, the secondary heat transfer fluid is cooled by passing through the heat exchanger means 9 and, conversely, heated by passing through the comfort mat 7. Conversely, the primary heat transfer fluid is partially heated while passing through the heat exchanger means 9 and then cooled while passing through the heat pump 4.

[0152] In particular, at the entrance of the comfort mat 7, the secondary heat transfer fluid is advantageously in a temperature range of 5°C to 25°C.

[0153] This "cooled" secondary heat transfer fluid is also of interest in the thermal comfort of animals. Comfort mats cool the animals present, and therefore limit the rise in the animals' body temperature, as the surface is cooled by this secondary heat transfer fluid.

[0154] In parallel, the heat pump 4 transfers the thermal energy recovered from the primary heat transfer fluid to the water stored in the tank 3, ensuring its heating.

[0155] Alternatively, the heat pump 4 transfers the thermal energy recovered from the primary heat transfer fluid to water stored in the heating circuit 41. This heating circuit 41 is intended to ensure heating of the tank 3 or the building.

[0156] Once the required amount of hot water has been produced, the control means 10 can shut down the heat pump 4 and the at least one corresponding recovery circuit 5, 6.

[0157] Therefore, the system according to the present invention has particularly interesting energy performance (especially in terms of COP measured by a thermodynamic water heater).

[0158] This system may also be of interest in terms of the thermal comfort of animals exposed to high ambient temperatures.

Claims

1. A system for producing hot water in a livestock farm, This system (1) includes a thermodynamic water heater (2), This thermodynamic water heater (2) - A heat pump (4) intended for heating water, and - Includes a hot water storage tank (3), which includes a cold water inlet (31) and a hot water outlet (32), The heat pump (4) consists of a water-water type heat pump (4) connected to at least one recovery circuit (5, 6), the at least one recovery circuit (5, 6) is for recovering thermal energy, and a heat transfer fluid circulates inside the at least one recovery circuit (5, 6), The aforementioned at least one recovery circuit (5, 6) (a) comprising at least one elastomer layer and two opposing surfaces (75, 76), i.e., - An upper surface (75) that is adapted to undergo elastic deformation and includes at least one accommodation area (71) intended for an animal to rest on, - The bottom surface (76) intended to rest on the receiving surface, A comfort mat (7) having, The at least one comfort mat (7) includes several sealed cavities (77) intended to contain the heat transfer fluid, The sealed cavity (77) is located below at least a portion of the at least one accommodation area (71) and includes at least one comfort mat (7), (b) Circulation means (8, 51) for generating circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the recovery circuits (5, 6), including within the at least one comfort mat (7), Features including, system.

2. The aforementioned at least one recovery circuit (5, 6) is at least two recovery circuits, i.e., - A primary recovery circuit (5) in which the primary heat transfer fluid circulates, in cooperation with the heat pump (4), - A secondary recovery circuit (6) through which a secondary heat transfer fluid circulates, comprising at least one comfort mat (7) and the circulation means (8), Includes, The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary recovery circuit (5) and the secondary recovery circuit (6) cooperate via a passive water-water heat exchanger means (9) to ensure heat exchange between the primary heat transfer fluid and the secondary heat transfer fluid.

3. - At least one primary recovery circuit (5) including at least two secondary recovery circuits (6) in parallel, or - At least two parallel primary recovery circuits (5), each including at least one secondary recovery circuit (6), The system according to claim 2, characterized by including

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system (1) includes means (10) for controlling the circulation means (8, 51) having the at least one recovery circuit (5, 6) to adjust the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the at least one recovery circuit (5, 6).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sealed cavities (77) of at least one comfort mat (7) extend parallel to each other or at least substantially parallel to each other, and each of the sealed cavities (77) has a linearly elongated shape.

6. The at least one comfort mat (7) includes two longitudinal edges (72), and The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealed cavity (77) extends parallel to or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge (72).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the hot water storage tank (3) includes a hot water outlet (32) connected to a hot water washing means (33) of the livestock farm (E).

8. A livestock farm equipped with the system (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Including the livestock pen (L), The at least one comfort mat (7) covers the ground of the livestock pen (L), The at least one comfort mat (7) includes a plurality of sealed cavities (77) extending into the livestock pen (L). A livestock farm according to claim 8, characterized in that

10. It includes at least two rows (T) of stalls (L), The livestock farm according to claim 9, relating to claim 2, wherein the livestock farm (E) includes at least two secondary recovery circuits (6), each of which comprises the multiple rows (T) of livestock pens (L).

11. The livestock farm according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the livestock farm (E) includes a machine room, and the thermodynamic water heater (2) is located inside the machine room.

12. A livestock farm according to any one of claims 8 to 11, in combination with claim 8, characterized in that the livestock farm (E) includes a hot water washing means (33), the thermodynamic water heater (2) includes a hot water storage tank (3), and the hot water storage tank (3) includes a hot water outlet (32) connected to the hot water washing means (33).

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