Installation for producing a thermally regulated fluid of a building comprising a plurality of fluid thermal-regulation devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to an installation for producing a thermally regulated fluid formed by assembling a plurality of modules of a first type, superimposed with a plurality of modules of a second type, a. said self-supporting modules of a first type (1) on which are mounted: • main ducts provided with connectors connecting with adjacent modules of a first type, said modules of a first type having connectors arranged in an identical layout. • tappings provided at their ends with connectors connecting with a module of said second type, these connectors being arranged on another face, in a configuration that is identical for all the modules of said first type (1), b. said self-supporting modules of the second type (2) on which are mounted: • connectors in a configuration complementary to those of the connectors of said modules of said first type (1), • Means for controlling the circulation between said connectors connecting to the thermal-regulation devices and the connector of the first type • The two lateral faces and the rear face of said modules of the second type (2) being devoid of fluidic connectors c. The fluidic communication between each of said modules of the second type and the fluid distribution circuit being performed by the succession of interconnected modules of the first type, of which one opens into said fluid distribution circuit distributing fluid in the building.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal control of large buildings, typically over 500 m 2 and more specifically the production of thermocontrolled fluid for heating and / or air conditioning a building.

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

[0003] As well as possibly external equipment.

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

[0005] To facilitate the installation of a boiler room, it is known to combine the creation of a heat generator consisting of several identical modules connected to each other and activated as needed. The modular design facilitates maintenance and replacement of modules as well as increasing the power of the installation.

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

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

[0008] Also known is patent US11015854 proposing a modular rack system for heating and / or cooling needs which comprises a first plurality of equipment modules, a second plurality of equipment modules, a first storage rack and a second storage rack. The first storage rack is constructed and arranged to receive the first plurality of equipment modules. The second storage rack is constructed and arranged to receive the second plurality of equipment modules. The described system also comprises a plurality of water collectors which are constructed and arranged to interconnect the first plurality of equipment modules with the second plurality of equipment modules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] The invention relates in particular to an installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building comprising a plurality of fluid thermocontrol equipment, characterized in that it comprises an assembly of a plurality of modules of a first type, superimposed with a plurality of modules of a second type, autonomous and detachable from the modules of the first type, said self-supporting modules of a first type being constituted by a rigid frame (100) of standardized height and depth, on which are mounted: main conduits provided at their ends with fluid connections with adjacent modules of a first type, said fluid connections being arranged on at least two faces of said frame in an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type, said modules of a first type have connections arranged in an identical topology. tappings provided at their ends with connections with a module of said second type,arranged on another face, according to an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type, said self-supporting modules of the second type being constituted by a rigid frame (200) on which are mounted: fluid connections according to a configuration complementary to those of the connections of said modules of said first type,said fluid connections being extended by fluid conduits for connection with thermocontrol equipment internal or external to said moduleMeans for controlling the fluid circulation between said connections for connection with the thermocontrol equipment and the connection of the first typeThe two side faces and the rear face of said modules of the second type being devoid of fluid connectionsThe fluid communication between each of said modules of the second type and the fluid distribution circuit in the building being achieved by the succession of modules of the first type interconnected fluidically, one of which opens into said fluid distribution circuit in the building.,

[0026] Preferably: the modules of the first type are thermally passive modules, i.e. not comprising means for modifying the temperature of the fluid; the transfer of fluid is ensured on the one hand between two connections with adjacent modules of the first type (or an inlet or outlet interface), and a branch for the transfer of fluid between a connection with a module of the second type, and the connections with the modules of the first type, possibly with a motorized valve, but without any active means of heating or cooling the fluid circulating in these conduits

[0027] and / orthe modules of the second type are active modules, i.e. comprising means for heating or cooling the fluid and / or one or more fluid control means, for example a circulation pump modifying the flow rate of the fluid arriving at the level of the thermocontrol equipment associated with the module, these fluid control means being controlled by a control module, for example a state machine; the transfer of fluid is ensured between the equipment – ​​internal or external, and the connections with a module of the first type.

[0028] According to preferred embodiments, certain modules of the first type have:intermodule connectors of the first type, standardized, that is to say with an identical positioning and of the same section, for all the modules of the first type (or at least a subset of modules of the first type) to facilitate the association of neighboring modules of the first typeconnections with the modules of the second type, the diameter of which can be variable to allow adaptation to various equipment, but the arrangement of which is standardized and common to all the modules of the second typeOptionally temperature, pressure and / or flow sensors

[0029] According to preferred embodiments, certain modules of the second type have:A fluid / fluid exchanger, for example air-water or water-water or air-air or water-water, for connecting an external fluid sourceTemperature, pressure, pressure and / or flow rate sensorsFurthermore, the modules of the second type are devoid of connection between them: two adjacent modules of the second type are not fluidically connected directly, but only via the modules of the first type.

[0030] Detailed description of a non-limiting example of embodiment

[0031] The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:

[0032] represents a three-quarter perspective view of a boiler room installation according to the invention

[0033] represents a three-quarter perspective view from above of a boiler room installation according to the invention

[0034] represents a schematic view of a module of the first type

[0035] represents a schematic view of an assembly of a module of the first type and a module of the second type General principle of the invention

[0036] An installation according to the invention is produced by adding pairs of modules of two different types from a functional point of view, namely:Modules of a first type (1), which are fluid transfer modules, which form a block whose dimensions are standardized.

[0037] Each module of a first type comprises a substantially parallelepiped frame on which are fixed fluid conduits passing through the block, and having at their two ends opening at a lateral and / or transverse face by a fluid connection. These connections are arranged according to a constant geometric pattern, such that when two modules of a first type are joined, the connections can be mechanically assembled to form a fluid continuity. At least part of the conduits passing through the block also has a branch opening onto a peripheral connection, the peripheral connections being arranged according to a constant geometric pattern.Modules (201 to 203) of a second type (2) which are modules for connecting internal or external thermocontrol equipment. These modules of a second type also form blocks whose dimensions are standardized.Each module of a second type comprises a substantially parallelepipedal frame on which active fluid components (valves and / or pumps and / or thermocontrol equipment) are fixed, as well as conduits, one of which opens at a lateral and / or transverse face via a fluid connection, these connections being arranged on one of the faces of the frame according to a geometric pattern complementary to the geometric pattern for positioning the peripheral connections of the modules of the first type, such that when a module of the first type and a module of the second type are joined, the connections can be mechanically assembled to form a fluid continuity. The thermocontrol equipment is either integrated into the frame of the module or outside this frame, and connected to one of the conduits fixed in the frame.

[0038] The boiler room is made up of an assembly of modules of the second type, each corresponding to one of the energy functions, for example a heat pump, an oil or gas boiler, a heat exchanger, etc. These modules are juxtaposed and mechanically connected at their frames. The fluid connections are ensured by modules of the first type, also juxtaposed between them and with the modules of the second type. The position of the connections being standardized, the fluid continuity is easily ensured by the assembly of the connections which face each other between the different modules.

[0039] The second type modules are prepared and tested in the factory so that when they are brought to the boiler room installation site, the operations to be carried out are limited to the mechanical assembly of the modules together and the fluid connection at the level of complementary fittings which face each other.

[0040] It is advantageous for the modules of the first type and the modules of the second type to have an identical depth, or even an identical horizontal section so as to allow their superposition or their lateral addition, to form sub-assemblies formed of a module of the first type and a module of the second type juxtaposed, and preferably superimposed. Similarly, it is advantageous for all the modules of the first type (1) to have the same height H1, and for all the modules of the first type to have the same height H2,

[0041] Standardizing the dimensions of the first-type modules and the second-type modules simplifies installation and ensures correct alignment of the fluid conduits. Boiler room installation

[0042] Illustrates an example of a modular boiler room made with modules according to the invention. It is composed of: three passive fluid connection modules of the first type (1) forming an alignment of adjacent blocks, such that the fluid connections (11; 21; 31; 41) are positioned opposite each other and allow a connection without plumbing work, by flanges for example. three active modules of the second type (2) two of which (201; 203) ensure the modular integration of heat pumps (300), respectively on the evaporator and condenser side (i.e. integration in the frame (200) of active equipment such as a heat pump, an air-water or water-water heat exchanger, a circulation pump, etc.). Each module of the second type (201, 202, 203) is fluidically connected to a pair of modules of the first type (1), superimposed two by two on the modules of the second type (2).

[0043] These active modules of the second type (2) form an alignment of adjacent blocks, above which the modules of the first type (1) are arranged in such a way that the fluid connections of the modules of the first type (1) and of the second type (2) are positioned opposite each other and allow a connection without plumbing work, by flanges for example.

[0044] The frames (100, 200) are formed by an assembly of metal profiles welded together to form a rigid and autonomous parallelepiped structure, open on all sides to allow easy access to the interior of the frame for the assembly, disassembly and maintenance of the active or passive equipment supported by the frame (100, 200).

[0045] The lower frames (200) have four feet (205) each adjustable in height to ensure the horizontal alignment of each of the lower frames (200), compensate for any unevenness in the floor, and create a reference for the correct alignment of the fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) of the modules of the first type (1) arranged above the modules of the second type (2).

[0046] The assembly of two superimposed frames (100, 200) is carried out by means of complementary assembly elements, or in a known manner by bolting or riveting.

[0047] Additional active equipment (300) is optionally fluidically connected to modules of the first type (1) either directly by connection conduits, or via a module of the second type (2) integrating in the frame (100) a heat exchanger or a circulation pump (208). Detailed description of a module of the first type

[0048] It represents a schematic view of an example of the realization of a module of the first type (1).

[0049] This module is constituted by a chassis forming a rigid frame (100) of generally parallelepiped shape. This frame (100) ensures the mechanical positioning of fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) opening onto two faces of the frame (100), preferably opposite, by connections respectively (11, 21, 31, 41) and (12, 22, 32, 42).

[0050] These conduits are for example made up of:An “evaporator inlet” conduit (15)An “evaporator outlet” conduit (25)A “Condenser inlet” conduit (35)A “Condenser outlet” conduit (45).

[0051] The connections (11, 21, 31, 41) and (12, 22, 32, 42) preferably have the same topology for each of the modules of the first type, i.e. an identical positioning for each module of the first type. The sections of the different connections of the same module of the first type may be different, but each module of the first type has the same section sets so as to allow a simplified connection by juxtaposition of modules of the first type and assembly of the connections terminated by welding, or by flanges, or by any other known means of fluid connection between two connections.

[0052] Each fluid conduit (15, 25, 35, 45) also has a respective tapping (10, 20, 30, 40) preferably equipped with a shut-off valve to isolate the unconnected tappings. These tappings (10, 20, 30, 40) also end with connectors (43) intended for connection with a connector provided on a module of the second type.

[0053] The first type modules are preferably passive modules, that is to say they do not provide motorized valves or a controllable circulation pump. They ensure a reliable and robust fluid interconnection function. Optionally, the fluid conduits (15, 25, 35, 45) and / or the tappings (10, 20, 30, 40) are equipped with temperature, pressure or flow sensors to provide supervision information, or with piezoelectric sensors to provide a signature of the fluid circulation for predictive maintenance. Detailed description of a module of the second type

[0054] The invention represents a superimposed assembly of a module of the first type (1) and a module of the second type (2). The frames respectively (100, 200) of the module of the first type (1) and of the module of the second type (2) are superimposed and mechanically joined by bolting or locking by rotating fixing locks of the “twist lock™” type.

[0055] The connections (43) of the tappings of the module of the first type (1) are joined with the complementary connections (50 to 53) of the module of the second type (2) by flanges or by any known coupling method.

[0056] The frame (200) of the module of the second type (2) integrates thermocontrol equipment, for example a heat pump, as well as controllable fluid control equipment, for example a controlled valve (210) and a circulation pump (220).

[0057] The frame rests on the ground using anti-vibration mounts of the “silent-bloc” type.

[0058] The modules of the second type (2) are assembled and tested in such a way that installation on site is simple and quick.

Claims

Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid of a building comprising a plurality of thermocontrol equipment thermocontrol of the fluid characterized in that it comprises an assembly of a plurality of modules of a first type, superimposed with a plurality of modules of a second type, autonomous and detachable from the modules of the first type, said self-supporting modules of a first type (1) being constituted by a rigid frame (100) of standardized height and depth, on which are mounted: main conduits provided at their ends with fluid connections with adjacent modules of a first type, said fluid connections being arranged on at least two faces of said frame according to an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type (1), said modules of a first type have connections arranged according to an identical topology. tappings provided at their ends with connections with a module of said second type, arranged on another face,according to an identical configuration for all the modules of said first type (1), said self-supporting modules of the second type (2) being constituted by a rigid frame (200) on which are mounted: fluid connections according to a configuration complementary to those of the connections of said modules of said first type (1),said fluid connections being extended by fluid conduits for connection with thermocontrol equipment internal or external to said moduleMeans for controlling the fluid circulation between said connections for connection with the thermocontrol equipment and a module connection the connection of the first typeThe two lateral faces and the rear face of said modules of the second type (2) being devoid of fluid connectionsThe fluid communication between each of said modules of the second type and thea fluid distribution circuit in the building being achieved by the succession of the module of the first type fluidically interconnected, one of which opens into said fluid distribution circuit in the building., Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of said modules of a first type and said modules of a second type also have a common depth. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that said modules of a first type are of the passive type, the conduits being passing or equipped with a motorized valve. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control and piloting module common to the modules of the second type and, where appropriate, to the motorized valves provided on the main conduits of the modules of the first type. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that a part of the modules of the second type integrates a heat exchanger ensuring a heat transfer between a fluid coming from an external source, and a circulating fluid within the installation. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that said modules of the first type comprise a frame of identical depth and height. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the modules of the second type comprise an identical chassis. Installation for producing a thermocontrolled fluid for a building according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an interface module with the distribution system of the building comprising a heat exchanger fluidically coupled to said main conduits of an adjacent first type module and ensuring fluidic isolation between said system and the fluidic distribution circuit of said building.

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