System for cooling a fluid
The cooling installation optimizes chilled water distribution in large buildings by using multiple reservoirs and cooling units to reduce energy consumption and ensure consistent temperature, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANAUEL VAN DE PEEL ENTERPRISES FZCO
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Large buildings face challenges in efficiently cooling and distributing chilled water at a consistent temperature, especially in regions where incoming water is hot, leading to high energy costs and potential temperature inconsistencies, and conventional cooling systems require significant electrical power and installation complexity.
A cooling installation with multiple reservoirs and cooling units, including first and second fluid cooling means, pumps, and heat exchangers, optimized to distribute chilled water efficiently using low-power systems, ensuring temperature control and reduced energy consumption.
The system ensures consistent chilled water distribution with lower energy requirements, reducing maximum electrical power needs and maintaining user comfort without impacting existing storage facilities, by cooling water over a longer period with lower power consumption.
Smart Images
Figure IB2024063191_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] Title: Fluid Cooling System
[0003] Technical field of the invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a fluid cooling system, such as for water, and the optimization of cooling, particularly in complexes or buildings with a hot water supply. It is especially applicable to cooling water intended to supply the cold water distribution network in a large complex such as a hotel.
[0005] Context of the invention
[0006] In some countries classified as hot countries, such as those in the Middle East or the Arabian Peninsula, water sometimes arrives at the entrance of buildings at high temperatures exceeding 45°C, making it difficult to use this water without first cooling it.
[0007] This operation can be managed using various techniques in small buildings. However, managing the cooling and distribution of chilled water is more complex in large buildings housing several hundred users. Indeed, consumption is concentrated primarily during two or three hours in the morning and evening. In particular, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., user demand for water is very high, requiring large quantities of water and significant cooling capacity.
[0008] To meet water demand, managers of these facilities typically use a strategy that relies on intermediate water reservoirs to store water and potentially manage the availability of cold water. However, the energy cost remains high, and there is also a significant risk of not being able to deliver water at the correct temperature.
[0009] Another problem arises when the building lacks an existing electrical installation. Installing a chiller unit naturally requires additional electrical power. This can be difficult to manage at the main low-voltage distribution board, or low-voltage electrical cabinet, which distributes power throughout the building. The lower the chiller unit's power rating, the easier the installation, but the less efficient the cooling.
[0010] In a large complex, the organization of water distribution is generally organized in the following way.
[0011] A reservoir is located in the basement of a building, serving as a buffer storage tank and receiving water from the municipal water supplier. Two other reservoirs, generally of the same size, are located on the roof of the building or on an intermediate floor. The first reservoir is directly supplied by the basement buffer tank via a pump activated by a mechanical or electronic float switch. The second reservoir is supplied by the first reservoir via a pump activated by a mechanical or electronic float switch. This reservoir may or may not be equipped with a cooling system. It is this reservoir that supplies the apartments and other uses within the building.
[0012] Let's consider an example of use where 100 people shower within an hour, which is quite common in a hotel. The required flow rate would then be 10 m³ / h. This flow rate can be doubled to account for other uses, resulting in a flow rate of 20 m³ / h. Two possible operating configurations can then be considered.
[0013] In the first system, the water is cooled as it is consumed. The power required to cool this water from 45°C to 20°C is approximately 580 kW.
[0014] In the second system, the water in the second tank is continuously cooled to maintain a temperature below 20°C. Power consumption varies depending on the time of day. If the filling rate is not controlled, the power required to cool this water will depend on the filling rate, since the filling is controlled by a mechanical or electronic float. In the aforementioned example of a flow rate of 20 m³ / h, the power required to maintain the tank temperature at a constant 20°C is approximately 580 kW. Therefore, there is a need to optimize the distribution of chilled water, and more generally, of chilled fluids, in systems or buildings receiving hot fluids, in order to reduce operating costs while ensuring efficient and satisfactory distribution for users.
[0015] Summary of the invention
[0016] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to solve the aforementioned problems, by proposing a cooling installation that guarantees the distribution of water at the correct temperature, with low-power cooling systems.
[0017] The invention thus relates to a cooling installation for a fluid, such as water, intended to supply a distribution network of the cooled fluid in a complex or building subjected to the arrival of fluid at high temperature.
[0018] The installation includes:
[0019] - a first reservoir intended to be connected directly or indirectly to a fluid supply,
[0020] - a second tank connected directly or indirectly to the first tank,
[0021] - the first fluid cooling systems connected to the first reservoir,
[0022] - second fluid cooling means connected to the second reservoir by a hot line through which flows the fluid from the second reservoir at a hot temperature, and by a cold line through which flows the fluid from the second cooling means at a cold temperature lower than the hot temperature,
[0023] - an outlet intended to supply said distribution network with fluid at a temperature lower than the hot temperature.
[0024] According to certain embodiments, the installation further comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: the second cooling means comprise a second heat exchanger supplied with fluid from the second tank at hot temperature via the hot line, and supplying the second tank with fluid at cold temperature via the cold line, and comprise a second cooling unit connected to the second exchanger;
[0025] the first cooling means include a first heat exchanger supplied with fluid from the first reservoir at a first temperature by a first pipe, and supplying the first reservoir with fluid at a second temperature, lower than said first temperature, by a second pipe, and include a first cooling unit connected to the first exchanger;
[0026] the first cooling means include the second cooling means, and a supply line to the first tank with fluid from the second tank;
[0027] the installation includes a direct supply line to the second cooling means with fluid from the first reservoir;
[0028] the installation includes a pump arranged on the direct supply line, said pump being configured to be controlled according to the level of fluid present in the second tank;
[0029] the first tank is connected directly or indirectly to the fluid supply, via a supply line;
[0030] The installation includes a pump positioned on the supply line, said pump being configured to be controlled according to the level of fluid present in the first tank.
[0031] the installation includes a third tank positioned between the fluid inlet and the first tank;
[0032] the outlet is intended to supply the distribution network with fluid at cold temperature, from the cold pipe;
[0033] The outlet is intended to supply the distribution network with fluid at a temperature lower than the hot temperature, from the second reservoir. Thus, the installation of the invention makes it possible to optimize the distribution of chilled water, more generally of chilled fluid, in sets or buildings subject to the arrival of hot fluid, in terms of reducing the cost to efficiently cool the fluid, without impacting the efficiency of the distribution for users, therefore without impacting their comfort.
[0034] The installation of the invention makes it possible to guarantee water cooled to the required temperature while using low power for cooling, therefore a low need for maximum electrical power supply for the cooling systems used.
[0035] The system allows for the cooling of a smaller quantity of water over a longer period of time, compared to a conventional system, to meet the same user needs. This results in a lower maximum electrical energy requirement than a conventional system, thus enabling the use of low-power cooling systems.
[0036] Indeed, instead of cooling a significant portion of the water consumed during a given time d using a cooling power p, the same quantity of water consumed during this time d can be cooled over a time D > d with the installation according to the invention. The power P required for this cooling is then pxd / D.
[0037] Furthermore, the installation can be implemented without impacting the initial water storage facilities present in buildings such as large hotel or residential complexes.
[0038] Brief description of the figures
[0039] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the following attached figures:
[0040] figure 1: schematic representation of a first example of installation according to the invention;
[0041] Figure 2: Schematic representation of a second example of installation according to the invention; Figure 3: Schematic representation of a third example of installation according to the invention.
[0042] Description of embodiments of the invention
[0043] In the examples presented in the description, the cooled fluid is water. These installation examples are based on conventional water storage systems commonly found in large hotel or residential complexes.
[0044] In these systems, uncooled water arrives via an inlet 4 into a tank 3 at ground level or underground, referred to as the third tank 3 in this description, and is then brought into a buffer tank 1, referred to as the first tank 1, and then into a second tank 2. The first and second tanks 1 and 2 are usually arranged on the roof of a building in the system in question.
[0045] As can be seen in the various figures, the first tank 1 is intended to be connected indirectly to a fluid inlet 4. However, as will be explained later, the first tank 1 can also be connected directly to the inlet 4.
[0046] The second reservoir 2 is connected either directly (figures 1 and 3) or indirectly (figure 2) to the first reservoir 1.
[0047] In addition to the first fluid cooling means, referenced as 5 in Figures 1 and 2 and which will be detailed later, or comprising the elements referenced as 6, 7 and 17 in Figure 3 and which will also be detailed later, are connected to the first reservoir 1, and the second fluid cooling means 6 are connected to the second reservoir 2
[0048] The second cooling units 6 are connected to the reservoir 2 by a hot line 8 and a cold line 9. The hot line 8 carries the fluid from the second reservoir 2 at a temperature called the hot temperature. The cold line 9 carries the fluid from the second cooling units 6 at a temperature called the cold temperature, which is lower than the hot temperature due to the cooling provided by the second cooling units 6. Furthermore, an outlet 10 is provided to supply cooled water to the building's or group of buildings' water distribution network at a temperature lower than the hot temperature.
[0049] This outlet 10 can supply the network from the cold pipe 9, as is the case in the examples in Figures 1 to 3. In this case, the temperature of the water distributed by this outlet 10 corresponds to the cold temperature, therefore is lower than the hot temperature.
[0050] Alternatively, the outlet can supply the network from the second reservoir 2 (not shown in the figures). In this case, the water distributed by this outlet is the water present in the second reservoir 2 after injection, via the cold line 9, of water cooled to a cold temperature (lower than the hot temperature) mixed with water at a hot temperature. The temperature of the water distributed in the network is therefore lower than the hot temperature.
[0051] Both alternatives are feasible, but the first has the advantage of allowing more precise control of the temperature of the water injected into the network via outlet 10. This temperature corresponds very closely to the cold temperature controlled by the second cooling means 6. By comparison, in the second alternative, controlling the temperature of the water distributed in the network is more difficult since the water cooled by the second cooling means 6 is mixed with the uncooled water contained in the second reservoir 2.
[0052] As can be seen in the examples in Figures 1 to 3, the second cooling means 6 can take the form of a system which includes on the one hand a second heat exchanger 12 and on the other hand a second cooling unit 14.
[0053] More specifically, the second exchanger 12 is supplied with water from the second reservoir 2 at a hot temperature via the hot pipe 8. Furthermore, this second exchanger 12 supplies the second reservoir 2 with water at a cold temperature via the cold pipe 9.
[0054] The second cooling unit 14 is connected to the second exchanger 12. As regards the first cooling means referenced 5 in the examples of figures 1 and 2, they can take the form of a system which includes on the one hand a first heat exchanger 11 and on the other hand a first cooling unit 13.
[0055] More specifically, the first exchanger 11 is supplied with water from the first reservoir 1 at a first temperature via a first pipe 15. Furthermore, this first exchanger 11 supplies the first reservoir 1 with water at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, via a second pipe 16.
[0056] The first cooling unit 13 is connected to the first heat exchanger 11.
[0057] In another configuration, corresponding to the example in Figure 3, the first cooling means include the second cooling means 6, a supply line 7 to the first tank 1 with water from the second tank 2, and a direct supply line 17 to the second cooling means 6 with water from the first tank 1.
[0058] Thus, the water from the first tank 1 is injected into the hot line 9 via the direct supply line 17. It is mixed in this hot line 9 with the water from the second tank 2. This mixture is cooled by the second cooling means 6 and then reinjected into the second tank 2 mixed with the water contained in the second tank 2, the whole returning to the tank 1 via the line 7.
[0059] Alternatively, in an example not shown in the figures, the direct supply line 17 can be dispensed with, using a line such as line 18 in Figure 1 to supply the second tank 2 with water from the first tank 1. The water from the first tank 1 is cooled, after passing through the second tank 2, by the second cooling means 6. The water cooled by the second cooling means 6, after returning to the second tank 2, is then reinjected into the first tank 1 via line 7. The case shown in Figure 3 has the advantage, compared to the alternative presented in the previous paragraph, of optimizing the operation of the installation. Indeed, the implementation of the installation exemplified in Figure 3 allows the water in the first tank 1 to be cooled without heating the water in the second tank 2.
[0060] As can be seen in Figure 2 for example, the use of the direct supply line 17 can also be foreseen in the case where the first cooling means, referenced 5, do not include a hydraulic circuit containing the second cooling means 6. Here again, the advantage is not to heat the water present in the second tank 2.
[0061] A pump 19 can be installed on the direct supply line 17, controlled according to the fluid level in the second tank 2. This control function is indicated by a small arrow extending from tank 2 to the pump 19. This configuration avoids waiting for the second tank to be empty before initiating the circulation of water from the first tank 1 to the hot line 8 via the direct supply line. It is indeed less costly, in terms of cooling power, to cool a smaller volume of water to fill the second tank 2, which is not completely emptied.
[0062] A pump similar to pump 19, controlled by the water level in the second tank 2, can also be installed on the pipe 18 connecting the first tank 1 to the second tank 2, in the case exemplified in Figure 1.
[0063] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the first tank 1 is connected to the inlet 4 via a supply line 20. This connection can be indirect, via the third tank 3, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, when the system is used without the third tank 3, this connection can be direct.
[0064] A pump 21 can be installed on the supply line 20, controlled according to the fluid level in the first tank 1. This control function is indicated by a small arrow from tank 1 pointing to the pump 21. This configuration avoids waiting for the first tank 1 to be empty before initiating water circulation, either from the third tank 3, or directly from the inlet 4, to the first tank 1 via the supply line 20.
[0065] A use case for the installation is given below, highlighting some of the advantages of the invention.
[0066] Let us assume, in the case exemplified in figures 1 and 2, that the first cooling means 5 and the second cooling means 6 are configured with a cooling setpoint temperature of 20°C, and that the water inlet temperature at inlet 4 is 45°C, with a first tank 1 filling threshold of 40%.
[0067] The first cooling units 5 will operate for as long as possible to maintain a temperature as close as possible to the setpoint temperature, and the filling of the first tank 1 will be delayed relative to the second tank 2. In fact, the refilling of the first tank 1 with water at 45°C will only begin once the first tank 1 has been emptied to 40%. This allows for the consumption of 80% of the water contained in the second tank 2 from the chilled water distribution network.
[0068] Furthermore, the second cooling system 6 will operate for as long as possible to maintain a temperature as close as possible to the setpoint temperature. When the second tank 2 reaches a temperature equal to or lower than another setpoint, water can be exchanged with the first tank 1 to facilitate a temperature decrease in the first tank 1. The two cooling systems 5 and 5 will only stop when both tanks 1 and 2 have reached their setpoints.
[0069] The reserve of chilled water is thus maximized and the risk of finding oneself with water not meeting the requirements for distribution in the network to these users is zero.
[0070] In the case of an installation with fill control based on the water level in tanks 1 and 2 (Figure 2), the further the water level deviates from the maximum, the faster the filling of tanks 1 and 2 is accelerated. This method favors a low filling flow rate and allows the water in the first tank 1 to be cooled before it reaches the second tank 2. It is possible to consider transferring some of the water from the first tank 1 to the third tank 3 (when present in the installation), when the setpoint has been reached in the first tank 1. In this way, the third tank 3 is cooled by the cooling means 5, 6 when the setpoints are reached.
[0071] In the example in Figure 3, the second cooling means 6 are used for both cooling the second tank 2 and the first tank 1.
[0072] The priority is to cool the water in the second tank 2. When the setpoint is reached and there is no demand for cold water from users, circulation is initiated through the first tank 1 from the second tank 2, with a flow rate that ensures the entry of water at the setpoint temperature into the second tank 2. The controlled flow rate is therefore consistent with the capacity of the second cooling system.
[0073] Let's assume that at a given moment, the water temperature in the second tank is 18°C, and the water temperature in the first tank is 28°C. Let's also assume that the cooling capacity of the second cooling system 6 is 100 kW. The circulation flow rate can then be calculated as follows: 100 / (28-18) / 4.18 = 2.39 l / s, or 8.6 m³ / h
[0074] In this way, it is guaranteed that the water in the second tank 2 does not heat up and that the water in the first tank 1 cools down.
[0075] As described above, here again, it is possible to consider transferring some of the water from the first tank 1 to the third tank 3 (when present in the installation), when the setpoint has been reached in the first tank 1. In this way, the third tank 3 is cooled by the cooling means 5, 6 when the setpoints are reached.
[0076] Furthermore, here again, filling control can be implemented based on the water level in tanks 1 and 2. The further the water level in the tanks deviates from the maximum, the faster the filling of these tanks is accelerated. In this way, a low filling rate is favored and the water is cooled before reaching the second tank 2. Another practical example highlights some of the advantages of the invention.
[0077] Let's assume a system with a distribution network that consumes 200 m3 / day, with an incoming water temperature of 45°C and a desired water distribution temperature of 19°C. The energy required per day, without taking into account any losses in the pipes and reservoirs themselves, can be calculated as follows: 200 x 1000 x 4.18 x (45 - 19) = 21730000 kJ / day, or 6037 kWh.
[0078] In a conventional installation operating for 5 hours at 75% consumption, the required cooling power is then 6037 x 0.75 / 5 = 906 kW.
[0079] In an installation according to the invention operating on 24 hours for 100% of consumption, the cooling power required is then 6037 / 24 = 252 kW, therefore much lower than that required in the conventional installation used in a conventional way.
[0080] It is noted that the present description is given as an example and is not limiting to the invention.
[0081] In particular, it is not limited to a configuration in which the uncooled water passes through a third reservoir 3 before being brought to the first and second reservoirs 1 and 2. The uncooled water inlet 4 can be directly connected to the supply line 20 of the first reservoir 1 (figures 1 and 3) or of the first cooling means 5 (figure 2).
[0082] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to an installation in which water is cooled for subsequent distribution, nor to an installation intended to supply a particular multi-level assembly, but extends to an installation for cooling any fluid, intended for the distribution of that fluid in any assembly.
Claims
1. CLAIMS 1.- Fluid cooling installation, such as for water, intended to supply a distribution network for the cooled fluid in a building or complex subject to the arrival of high-temperature fluid, comprising: - a first reservoir (1) intended to be connected directly or indirectly to a fluid inlet (4), - a second tank (2) connected directly or indirectly to the first tank (1), - the first means of cooling (5, (6, 7, 17)) of fluid connected to the first reservoir (1), - second fluid cooling means (6) connected to the second reservoir (2) by a hot line (8) through which flows the fluid from the second reservoir (2) at a hot temperature, and by a cold line (9) through which flows the fluid from the second cooling means (6) at a cold temperature lower than the hot temperature, - an outlet (10) intended to supply said distribution network with fluid at a temperature lower than the hot temperature.
2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cooling means (6) comprise: - a second heat exchanger (12), supplied with fluid from the second reservoir (2) at hot temperature via the hot line (8), and supplying the second reservoir (2) with fluid at cold temperature via the cold line (9), and - a second cooling unit (14) connected to the second heat exchanger (12).
3. Installation according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first cooling means (5) comprise: - a first heat exchanger (11), supplied with fluid from the first reservoir (1) at a first temperature by a first pipe (15), and supplying the first reservoir (1) with fluid at a second temperature, lower than said first temperature, by a second pipe (16), and - a first cooling unit (13) connected to the first heat exchanger (U).
4. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first cooling means (5, 6, 7, 17) comprise the second cooling means (6), and a supply line (7) to the first tank (1) with fluid from the second tank (2).
5. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a direct supply line (17) to the second cooling means (6) with fluid from the first reservoir (1).
6. Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a pump (19) disposed on the direct supply line (17), said pump (19) being configured to be controlled according to the level of fluid present in the second tank (2).
7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first tank (1) is connected directly or indirectly to the inlet (4), via a supply line (20).
8. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a pump (21) disposed on the supply line (20), said pump (21) being configured to be controlled according to the level of fluid present in the first tank (1).
9. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a third tank (3) disposed between the inlet (4) and the first tank (1).
10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that its outlet (10) is intended to supply the distribution network with fluid at cold temperature, from the cold pipe (9).
11. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that its outlet is intended to supply the distribution network with fluid at a temperature lower than the hot temperature, from the second reservoir (2).