Condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units, in particular for waterloop plants

Abstract

Condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units (1), in particular for waterloop plants (2), comprising a condensation collection tank (11), a pump (20) which is connected to the tank (11) for intake and connected to a connector (27) for delivery for a primary hydraulic circuit (5), in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system (23) between the delivery of the pump (20) and the connector (27), characterized in that the valve system (23) comprises a bypass valve (24) for selectively connecting the pump (20) to the condensation collection tank (11) during the step of starting the pump (20) and shutting off this connection to the pump (20) primed.

Description

[0001] CONDENSATION INJECTION KIT FOR AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS, IN PARTICULAR FOR WATERLOOP PLANTS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units, in particular for waterloop plants of the type including the features mentioned in the preamble of the main claim. The invention further relates to an air-conditioning unit including the kit.

[0004] A waterloop type plant normally comprises a primary hydraulic circuit with a liquid ring, in which forced circulation of a fluid which is used to exchange heat with multiple local air-conditioning units with a heat pump brought about at a controlled temperature. The above-mentioned units when used in a cooling mode bring about condensation of the ambient humidity and the condensation water, which is collected in suitable bowls, has to be disposed of.

[0005] WO2022 / 215044 describes a disposal system for the condensation water by injecting it into the primary hydraulic circuit. This system is particularly advantageous particularly in existing plants, which are converted from central heating with radiators, for which it is quite difficult to provide a separate disposal circuit for condensate and therefore it is again advantageous to use for this purpose the existing circulation tubes for the radiators in order to convert them in the primary hydraulic circuit. However, there is a problem connected with the fact that the pumps used for injecting the condensation water into the primary hydraulic circuit have to operate (and in particular be started up) by overcoming a delivery counter-pressure, corresponding to the circulation pressure of the liquid in the primary hydraulic circuit. This limits the possibility of using only pumps which can be started with delivery counter-pressure. This limitation in fact excludes the possibility of using any types of pumps such as, for example, vibration pumps, the starting of which is prevented in the presence of delivery counter-pressure. However, these pumps have other qualities which make them particularly desirable in air-conditioning units for domestic use, particularly a substantially silent operation, a low cost and very contained dimensions.

[0006] EP0715692 describes a valve for protecting pumps, in particular centrifugal pumps. However, the document does not relate to either waterloop plants or pumps in which starting is prevented by delivery counter-pressure.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a condensate injection kit for air- conditioning units, in particular for waterloop plants, which is structurally and functionally configured to overcome at least some of the disadvantages set out with reference to the cited prior art.

[0008] In the context of this problem, an important object of the invention is to provide a kit in which the starting of the condensate injection pump is facilitated and is also reliable in the presence of delivery counter-pressure. Another object of the invention is to provide a kit which can advantageously use a vibration pump.

[0009] Another object is to provide a kit for the uses indicated which is intrinsically reliable against possible losses and floods.

[0010] Not least, an object of the invention is to provide a kit which is compact, has a small spatial requirement and is suitable for being accommodated in an air-conditioning unit which is similarly compact and silent.

[0011] The problem and the object indicated above are at least partially solved and achieved by the present invention by means of a condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units, an air-conditioning unit and a waterloop plant which comprise one or more of the features set out in the appended claims.

[0012] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention is directed towards a condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units, in particular for waterloop plants, comprising a condensation collection tank, a pump which is connected to the tank for intake and connected to a connector for delivery for a hydraulic circuit, in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system between the delivery of the pump and the connector. According to some embodiments, the valve system comprises a bypass valve for selectively connecting the pump to the condensation collection tank during the step of starting the pump and shutting off this connection to the started pump.

[0013] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention is directed towards an air-conditioning unit, in particular for waterloop plants, comprising a heat pump apparatus with joining connectors which are provided to connect a heat exchanger of the apparatus to a primary hydraulic circuit of a waterloop network, the heat pump apparatus including a condensation collector and an injection system for the condensation water in the primary hydraulic circuit. According to some embodiments, the injection system comprises a condensation collection tank, a pump which is connected to the tank for intake and connected to a connector for delivery for the primary hydraulic circuit, in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system between the delivery of the pump and the connector. According to some embodiments, the valve system comprises a bypass valve for selectively connecting the pump to the condensation collection tank during the step of starting the pump and shutting off this connection to the pump primed.

[0014] In a third aspect thereof, the present invention is directed towards a waterloop plant including a primary hydraulic circuit and at least one air- conditioning unit which is hydraulically joined to the primary hydraulic circuit in a heat exchange condition therewith, wherein the conditioning unit comprises a heat pump apparatus with joining connectors which are provided to connect a heat exchanger of the apparatus to the primary hydraulic circuit, the heat pump apparatus including a condensation collector and an injection system for the condensation water into the primary hydraulic circuit. According to some embodiments, the injection system comprises a condensation collection tank, a pump which is connected to the tank for intake and connected to a connector for delivery for the primary hydraulic circuit, in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system between the delivery of the pump and the connector. According to some embodiments, the valve system comprises a bypass valve for selectively connecting the pump to the condensation collection tank during the step of starting the pump and shutting off this connection to the pump primed.

[0015] Therefore, the invention can bring about a start-up of the condensation injection pump which is particularly simplified and reliable even in the presence of delivery counter-pressure. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when the condensation tank is located in a lower position with respect to the pump because, in this case, it is necessary to overcome gravitational force in order to urge the condensation water out of the tank towards the pump.

[0016] In at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, the present invention can have at least one or more of the features described below.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pump is of the type whose start-up is impeded by a delivery counter-pressure.

[0018] Preferably, the pump is of the vibration type. This pump has the advantage of providing a substantially silent operation, a low cost and very contained dimensions.

[0019] It is preferable for the bypass valve to be configured as a solenoid valve. According to a preferred embodiment, the valve system comprises at least one non-return valve between the connector and the condensation collection tank. In a desirable manner, the valve system comprises at least two of the non-return valves which are positioned in series. It is thereby possible to prevent the liquid circulating in the primary hydraulic circuit from being able to return towards the tank, flooding the unit and the surrounding environment. This allows the air-conditioning unit to be particularly reliable. According to a preferred embodiment, there is placed in the tank at least one level sensor for the condensation water which is operationally associated with the pump. This sensor is configured to detect a sufficient drop of the level of condensate in the tank; advantageously, the pump can be stopped when this level is reached. It is preferable for the level sensor for the condensation water to be configured as a pressure sensor. In a desirable manner, at least one alarm sensor for the level of the condensation water is positioned in the tank. This sensor may be configured to deactivate the air-conditioning unit and where applicable to generate an alarm signal. This sensor may be advantageous in the event of a malfunction of the first sensor. Preferably, the alarm sensor is of the type with a float.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the tank is divided into two chambers which communicate through a bulkhead so as to maintain a predetermined level in one of the chambers which is supplied by a return pipe by the bypass valve. It is thereby possible to silence the return flow of the condensation water. The bulkhead can further be used to confine the most harmful impurities of the condensation water, preventing the intake thereof by the pump.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the return pipe is terminated at a distance from the bottom of the tank less than the predetermined level from the bulkhead.

[0022] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred though nonexclusive embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 is a partial schematic view of a plant of the waterloop type in the region of an air-conditioning unit according to the invention;

[0024] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a condensation injection kit for the air- conditioning unit of Figure 1; - Figures 3 and 4 are partially sectioned views of a detail of the kit of Figure 2;

[0025] - Figure 5 is a perspective, transparent view of another detail of the kit of Figure 2.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiments of the Figures, there is generally designated 1 an air-conditioning unit for a waterloop plant 2, the primary hydraulic circuit 5 of which includes a delivery pipe 3 and a return pipe 4, which are preferably closed in a ring-like manner.

[0027] The primary hydraulic circuit 5 is pressurized by a recirculation pump 7 and, for this reason, the fluid which circulates is at a pressure different from and preferably greater than atmospheric pressure. In a preferred use in existing buildings, the waterloop plant 2 may, for example, use as a primary hydraulic circuit 5 the pipes of a preceding radiator type plant and they are replaced by the unit 1.

[0028] Each unit 1 comprises in known manner a heat pump apparatus, preferably of the type with a Carnot cycle, with a liquid exchanger which is joined to the pipes 3, 4 and an air exchanger 8 which is provided with a condensation collector 9, which is preferably configured as a tray 9, in which the condensate which is generated when the unit 1 is used for summer cooling is collected.

[0029] The condensation collector 9 is connected by means of a pipe 10 to a condensation collection tank 11 which is preferably provided with a filter 12.

[0030] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 5, the tank 11 is provided with a bulkhead 13 which subdivides it into two chambers 14, 15. The bulkhead 13 preferably extends upwards over a portion from the base of the tank 11 so that the chamber 14 is kept full at a predetermined level and so as to keep the free end of a return pipe 16 immersed so as to silence as far as possible the return flow of the condensation water. However, an intake pipe 17 extends into the chamber 15 as far as a location near the bottom thereof. The bulkhead 13 can further serve to confine the most harmful impurities of the condensation water, preventing the intake thereof into the intake pipe 17.

[0031] The chamber 15 is provided with two level sensors for the condensation water present in the tank 11. The first sensor 18 is preferably a pressure sensor. The second sensor 19 is preferably of the type with a float and acts as a safety member in the event of malfunction of the first sensor 18.

[0032] These sensors 18, 19 serve to control a pump 20, preferably of the vibration type, which draws fluid into the tank 11 via the intake pipe 17. As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the pump 20 is preferably supported via an anti-vibration support 21 and has a delivery 22 which is connected to a valve system 23.

[0033] The valve system 23 comprises a bypass valve 24 which is preferably a solenoid valve in order to selectively connect the pump 20 to the tank 11 through the return pipe 16 during the start-up phase (at reduced pressure) of the pump 20. The bypass valve 24 is normally closed so as to shut off this connection when the pump is started.

[0034] The valve system 23 further comprises at least one non-return valve 25 and preferably two independent non-return valves 25 which are placed in series between the delivery of the pump 20 and a connector 27 with which the valve system 23 is joined to one of the pipes 3, 4 of the primary hydraulic circuit 5.

[0035] The provision of two non-return valves serves to prevent the liquid which circulates in the primary hydraulic circuit 5 from being able to return towards the tank 11, flooding the unit 1 and the surrounding environment. There is thereby obtained an air-conditioning unit 1 which is intrinsically reliable.

[0036] The valve system 23 may preferably comprise in the lower region a connection which integrates the inlet and outlet of the bypass valve 24. It is desirable for the valve system 23 to comprise a securing system for the bypass valve 24, preferably comprising two clips. The tank 11, the pump 20 and the valve system 23 with relevant connectors and pipes constitute a condensation injection kit according to the present invention (which is generally illustrated in Figure 2) which can be assembled in the unit 1 or provided in a stand-alone state in order to modify air-conditioning units which are already installed. The operation of the kit is as follows.

[0037] The condensation water which is collected by the condensation collector 9 is conveyed continuously through the pipe 10 to the filter 12 of the tank 11 and stored in the tank 11 itself. The level sensor 18, when reaching a predetermined level of condensate in the chamber 15, can allow the activation of the pump 20.

[0038] For the start-up of the pump 20, the bypass valve 24 is supplied so as to convey the delivery of the pump 20 towards the chamber 14 via the return pipe 16. In this manner, the pump 20 is correctly started up, the delivery counter-pressure being zero. Furthermore, the air which is present in the pipes and which, being compressible unlike condensation water, is the main cause of start-up problems for the pump is eliminated. Therefore, the bypass valve 24 is closed, shutting off the pipe 17. The condensation water which is pumped by the pump 20 is therefore redirected to the pipes of the primary hydraulic circuit 5 of the waterloop plant 2 and is injected into one of them, passing through the non-return valves 25.

[0039] When the level sensor 18 detects a sufficient drop of the level of condensate in the tank 11, the pump 20 is stopped. If the second level sensor 19 were to be activated, signifying that an excessive condensate level has been reached in the tank 11, at a first time the unit 1 remains active and the pump is caused to operate in a higher flow rate mode. At a second check, that is to say, if, after a specific time, a "normal" level of condensate has not been assumed again, the compressor is stopped with deactivation of the air-conditioning unit 1 and where applicable generation of an alarm signal. The invention thereby achieves the objects proposed and solves the technical problem faced, at the same time affording a number of advantages, including the fact of being suitable for kit construction, which is adaptable both to existing plants and to an air-conditioning unit of a new construction. The low spatial requirement and the high level of silent operation are extremely advantageous features of the above-described kit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Condensation injection kit for air-conditioning units (1), in particular for waterloop plants (2), comprising a condensation collection tank (11), a connector (27) for a primary hydraulic circuit (5), in which the condensation is discharged, a pump (20) which is connected to the tank (11) for intake and connected to the connector (27) for delivery, and a valve system (23) between the delivery of the pump (20) and the connector (27), characterized in that the valve system (23) comprises a bypass valve (24) for selectively connecting the pump (20) to the condensation collection tank (11) during the step of starting the pump (20) and shutting off this connection to the pump (20) primed.

2. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the pump (20) is of the type whose start-up is impeded by a delivery counter-pressure.

3. Kit according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (20) is of the vibration type.

4. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve system (23) comprises at least one non-return valve (25) between the connector (27) and the condensation collection tank (11).

5. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve system (23) comprises at least two of the non-return valves (25) which are positioned in series.

6. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one level sensor for the condensation water (18) which is placed in the tank (11) and which is operationally associated with the pump (20).

7. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one alarm sensor (19) for the level of the condensation water which is positioned in the tank (11).

8. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank (11) is divided into two chambers (14, 15) which communicate through a bulkhead (13) so as to maintain a predetermined level in one of the chambers which is supplied by a return pipe (16) by the bypass valve (24).

9. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the return pipe (16) is terminated at a distance from the bottom of the tank (11) less than the predetermined level from the bulkhead (13).

10. Air-conditioning unit (1), in particular for waterloop plants (2), comprising a heat pump apparatus with joining connectors which are provided to connect a heat exchanger of the apparatus to a primary hydraulic circuit (5) of a waterloop network (2), the heat pump apparatus including a condensation collector (9) and an injection system for the condensation water in the primary hydraulic circuit (5), characterized in that the injection system comprises a condensation collection tank (11), a pump (20) which is connected to the tank (11) for intake and connected to a connector (27) for delivery for the primary hydraulic circuit (5), in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system (23) between the delivery of the pump (20) and the connector (27), characterized in that the valve system (23) comprises a bypass valve (24) for selectively connecting the pump (20) to the condensation collection tank (11) during the step of starting the pump (20) and shutting off this connection to the pump (20) primed.

11. Air-conditioning unit (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pump (20) is of the vibration type.

12. Waterloop plant (2) including a primary hydraulic circuit (5) and at least one air-conditioning unit (1) which is hydraulically joined to the primary hydraulic circuit (5) in a heat exchange condition therewith, wherein the conditioning unit (1) comprises a heat pump apparatus with joining connectors which are provided to connect a heat exchanger of the apparatus to the primary hydraulic circuit (5), the heat pump apparatus including a condensation collector (9) and an injection system for the condensation water into the primary hydraulic circuit (5), characterized in that the injection system comprises a condensation collection tank (11), a pump (20) which is connected to the tank (11) for intake and connected to a connector (27) for delivery for the primary hydraulic circuit (5), in which the condensation is discharged, and a valve system (23) between the delivery of the pump (20) and the connector (27), characterized in that the valve system (23) comprises a bypass valve (24) for selectively connecting the pump (20) to the condensation collection tank (11) during the step of starting the pump (20) and shutting off this connection with the pump (20) primed.

13. Waterloop plant (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pump (20) is of the vibration type.

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