Refrigerant module

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant module (1) comprising: a plate-based support (2), formed of at least two stacked plates assembled to define one or more internal channels (3) allowing refrigerant to circulate; at least one heat exchanger (5), in particular an internal heat exchanger (IHX), brazed to the plate-based support (2) on one or more brazing zones of the plate-based support (2), the internal channel (3) of the plate-based support (2) being fluidically connected to the heat exchanger (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Refrigerant Module

[0003] [1] The present invention relates to a refrigerant module, in particular comprising a compressor.

[0004] [2] Air conditioning systems, particularly heat pump systems, may require a refrigerant module capable of distributing and regulating the refrigerant flow within the system. The air conditioning system incorporates various components, such as heat exchangers, valves (including expansion, opening, and closing valves), temperature and / or pressure sensors, an accumulator or receiver drier, and, in some applications, an electric compressor. These various components must be housed in a compact unit.

[0005] [3] The invention aims in particular to improve the compactness of refrigerant modules which include an electric compressor, and to reduce costs while minimizing the risks of leaks and performance losses under mechanical stress, particularly when the refrigerant is propane (or R290).

[0006] [4] The invention thus relates to a refrigerant module comprising:

[0007] - a plate support, formed of at least two superimposed plates assembled to define one or more internal channels allowing the circulation of refrigerant, in particular propane,

[0008] - at least one heat exchanger brazed to the plate support on one or more brazing zones of the plate support, the internal channel of the plate support being fluidly connected to the heat exchanger.

[0009] [5] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support comprises a first plate provided with embossed reliefs enabling the definition of said internal channel(s).

[0010] [6] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support comprises a second plate superimposed on the first plate, and provided with embossed reliefs allowing the definition of said internal channel(s).

[0011] [7] Alternatively, the second plate is generally flat, namely without embossed reliefs to define said internal channel(s).

[0012] [8] According to one aspect of the invention, the stamped reliefs have flat tops, serving as brazing areas for brazing the heat exchanger.[9] According to one aspect of the invention, the stamped reliefs of the first plate overlap the stamped reliefs of the second plate to form said internal channel(s).

[0013]

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the embossed reliefs of the first plate are distributed so as to define one or more thermal insulation spaces in the form of air gaps, between the plate support and the heat exchanger brazed onto these embossed reliefs.

[0014]

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the first plate is brazed to the second plate by at least one peripheral brazing, in particular in a flat peripheral region.

[0015]

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the first plate and the second plate each have a raised peripheral rim, these rims being brazed together.

[0016]

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the stamped reliefs are configured to serve as supports for the heat exchanger brazed onto these stamped reliefs.

[0017]

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support has a recess so that the plate support extends along at least two distinct planes, in particular parallel ones.

[0018]

[0015] This can allow for a reduced footprint, adjusted to the constrained environment in the vehicle.

[0019]

[0016] Alternatively, the plate support is generally flat (apart from stamped areas), without a step.

[0020]

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger(s) are brazed onto a flat plate, without stamping, of the plate support.

[0021]

[0018] In this case, maximum contact for the brazing interface is preferred over the presence of air gaps.

[0022]

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support includes at least one connection orifice to allow a fluidic connection with a fluidic component.

[0023]

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the connection orifice is formed on a stamped relief of the plate support.

[0024]

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the connection ports is configured to allow the inflow of refrigerant to the plate support from a compressor.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the connection ports is configured to allow the outflow of refrigerant from the plate support to a heat exchanger fixed to the plate support.

[0025]

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the connection ports of the plate support is configured to fix a pressure and / or temperature sensor, said sensor being mounted via a part brazed or screwed onto the plate support.

[0026]

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices and associated internal channels are arranged to allow a fluidic connection between a water condenser and an internal heat exchanger (IHX), in particular by minimizing the length of the internal channels between these components.

[0027]

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the connection ports of the plate support is configured to define an inlet / outlet for the refrigerant to a water evaporator (or chiller).

[0028]

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant crosses the IHX in cross flow.

[0029]

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module includes an expansion valve fixed to the plate support, said expansion valve being fluidly connected to one of the internal channels of the plate support to regulate the expansion of the refrigerant.

[0030]

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module comprises a compressor, in particular an electric compressor, mechanically fixed to the plate support, for example via tapped holes, the compressor being fluidly connected to one of the internal channels to draw or discharge the refrigerant into that internal channel.

[0031]

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor is connected to the plate support by screws or studs inserted into holes on the plate support.

[0032]

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor has a discharge port, in particular connected to an external tube.

[0033]

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor has a suction port on the side of the compressor.

[0034]

[0032] The compressor cannot be brazed onto the plate support because it cannot pass through a brazing furnace.

[0035]

[0033] Consequently, the compressor is mounted on the plate support by mechanical means.

[0036]

[0034] A pressure sensor can be placed on the compressor discharge port.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, an intermediate block is placed between the compressor and the plate support to bring the refrigerant towards the compressor suction port.

[0037]

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor discharge port is connected to a pipe or tubing, allowing the fluid to be conveyed to the water condenser.

[0038]

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module comprises a water condenser fixed or brazed onto the plate support, and connected to at least one of the internal channels of the plate support.

[0039]

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module comprises at least one water evaporator (or chiller), brazed onto the plate support, the water evaporator being connected to at least one of the internal channels of the plate support.

[0040]

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the number of water evaporators (Chillers) brazed onto the plate support is two.

[0041]

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module includes at least one desiccant bottle, for example mounted on the plate support.

[0042]

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the desiccant bottle is placed on the water condenser.

[0043]

[0042] In another configuration, the desiccant bottle is placed on the other side of the plate support relative to the water condenser.

[0044]

[0043] It is also possible that the desiccant bottle is placed on the internal heat exchanger (IHX).

[0045]

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the desiccant bottle is connected to the water condenser through through holes.

[0046]

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module includes at least one subcooler.

[0047]

[0046] The subcooler is configured to subcool the refrigerant after its condensation in the water condenser, before it enters the next cycle (such as an expansion valve or other heat exchanger).

[0048]

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module includes at least one temperature and / or pressure sensor, in particular fixed at an orifice of the plate support.

[0049]

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the refrigerant module comprises at least one distribution block interposed between two expansion valves, in particular said block being brazed or fixed to the plate support and comprising distribution channels fluidly connected to the internal channel of the support. The distribution channels are, for example, T-shaped.

[0050]

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates of the plate support are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0051]

[0050] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a refrigerant module comprising a plate support and at least one heat exchanger, said method comprising the following steps:

[0052] - provide the plate support, consisting of at least two superimposed plates assembled to define one or more internal channels allowing refrigerant circulation, at least one of the plates being provided with embossed reliefs;

[0053] - place at least one heat exchanger on the plate support, on one or more predefined contact areas;

[0054] - assemble the whole in a brazing furnace, advantageously with homogeneous compression applied to the heat exchanger(s);

[0055] - braze together the predefined contact areas resulting in brazing zones.

[0056]

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the brazing areas are located on the peaks of the embossed reliefs.

[0057]

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, several heat exchangers are brazed simultaneously onto the same plate support.

[0058]

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the process comprises a step subsequent to brazing, which subsequent step is:

[0059] - to mechanically mount to the plate support, one or more additional components, such as one or more expansion valves, a compressor, one or more pressure / temperature sensors.

[0060]

[0054] The compressor includes a compression stage comprising a compression mechanism configured to compress a refrigerant from the air conditioning circuit.

[0061]

[0055] The invention thus makes it possible to improve the compactness of the refrigerant module, by allowing the heat exchangers to be densified.

[0062]

[0056] In addition, the generally flat plate support allows the use of a standard desiccant bottle.

[0063]

[0057] Advantageously, the plate support is configured to be mounted directly on the compressor, ensuring optimized mechanical and fluidic integration between these two parts. This reduces intermediate connections and improves the module's compactness.

[0064]

[0058] Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid (or water) connections and the refrigerant connections can be grouped together on one side of the plate support. This can facilitate the integration of the heat transfer fluid (or water) and refrigerant circuits.

[0065]

[0059] The invention also relates to an air conditioning circuit, of the heat pump type (in particular of the direct type), comprising a refrigerant module as mentioned above.

[0066]

[0060] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a refrigerant module comprising:

[0067] - at least one heat exchanger,

[0068] - a plate support, formed of at least two superimposed plates assembled to define one or more internal channels allowing refrigerant circulation, said plate support having embossed reliefs on at least one of the plates, the embossed reliefs being configured to form the internal channel(s) and generate an air gap between the plate support and at least one heat exchanger fixed to the plate support.

[0069]

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, two heat exchangers, for example a water condenser and an internal heat exchanger (IHX), are placed on either side of the plate support.

[0070]

[0062] The arrangement of the two heat exchangers on either side of the plate support creates a thermal barrier. This thermal barrier is achieved through a space between the plate support and the heat exchangers, specifically through the embossed ridges of the plate support, which provide thermal insulation. In other words, the embossed ridges on the plate support create a space between the support and the heat exchanger(s). This air gap acts as thermal insulation, preventing unwanted heat transfer between the exchangers and / or the plate support.

[0071]

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support comprises a first plate provided with embossed reliefs allowing the definition of said internal channel(s).

[0072]

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate support comprises a second plate superimposed on the first plate, and provided with embossed reliefs allowing the definition of said internal channel(s).

[0073]

[0065] Alternatively, the second plate is generally flat, namely without stamped reliefs to define said internal channel(s).

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the stamped reliefs have flat tops, serving as brazing areas for brazing the heat exchanger.

[0074]

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the embossed reliefs of the first plate overlap the embossed reliefs of the second plate to form said internal channel(s).

[0075]

[0068] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0076]

[0069] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates in perspective an example of a refrigerant module according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0077]

[0070] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the refrigerant module of Figure 1, from an opposite view with respect to the plate support;

[0078]

[0071] [Fig.3] is a side view of the plate support of the refrigerant module of Figure 1;

[0079]

[0072] [Fig. 4] is a view of the other side of the plate support of the refrigerant module of Figure 1;

[0080]

[0073] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the refrigerant module of Figure 1, without certain components;

[0081]

[0074] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates the refrigerant module of Figure 5, from a different view;

[0082]

[0075] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates the arrangement of the different elements in the heat pump type air conditioning circuit;

[0083]

[0076] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates in perspective another example of a refrigerant module according to the invention;

[0084]

[0077] [Fig. 9] schematically illustrates the refrigerant module of Figure 8, without certain components;

[0085]

[0078] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates in perspective another example of a refrigerant module according to the invention.

[0086]

[0079] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0087]

[0080] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a refrigerant module 1 comprising:

[0088] - a plate support 2, formed of at least two plates 7 and 9 superimposed and assembled to define one or more internal channels 3 allowing refrigerant circulation (as more clearly seen in figures 3 and 4),

[0089] - a heat exchanger 5, here an internal heat exchanger (IHX), brazed to the plate support 2 on several brazing areas 6 of the plate support 2, the internal channel 3 of the plate support 2 being fluidly connected to the heat exchanger 5. The refrigerant crosses the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX) in cross flow.

[0090]

[0081] The plate support 2 thus comprises a first plate 7 provided with embossed reliefs 8 allowing the internal channels 3 to be defined.

[0091]

[0082] The plate support 2 comprises a second plate 9 superimposed on the first plate 7, and provided with embossed reliefs 10 allowing the internal channels 3 to be defined.

[0092]

[0083] In an alternative (not illustrated), the second plate 9 is generally flat, namely without embossed reliefs allowing the definition of said internal channel(s) 3.

[0093]

[0084] The plates of the plate support 2 are made of metal, in particular aluminum.

[0094]

[0085] The embossed reliefs 8 have flat tops 12, serving as brazing areas 6 for brazing the heat exchanger 5.

[0095]

[0086] The embossed reliefs 8 of the first plate 7 overlap the embossed reliefs 10 of the second plate 9 to form said internal channels 3.

[0096]

[0087] The embossed reliefs 8 are distributed so as to define one or more thermal insulation spaces in the form of air gaps 14, between the plate support 2 and the heat exchanger 5 brazed onto these embossed reliefs 8.

[0097]

[0088] The first plate 7 is brazed to the second plate 9 by at least one peripheral brazing, in a flat peripheral region 15.

[0098]

[0089] Alternatively, the first plate 7 and the second plate 9 each have a raised peripheral rim, these rims being brazed together.

[0099]

[0090] The stamped reliefs 8 are configured to serve as supports for the heat exchanger 5 brazed onto these stamped reliefs 8.

[0091] The plate support 2 has a step 19 so that the plate support 2 extends along at least two distinct, parallel planes.

[0100]

[0092] This can allow for a reduced footprint, adjusted to the constrained environment in the vehicle.

[0101]

[0093] The plate support 2 has connection ports 26 to allow fluidic connections with fluidic components, among which is the internal heat exchanger 5 (I HX).

[0102]

[0094] Each connection orifice 26 is formed on a stamped relief 8 of the plate support 2.

[0103]

[0095] One of the connection ports 26 is configured as a refrigerant inlet 25 to the plate support 2 from a compressor 29 (more precisely from the discharge 33 of the compressor 29) to bring the refrigerant to an inlet 16 to a water condenser 32. This water condenser 32 is configured for heat exchange between the refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid, in particular glycol water.

[0104]

[0096] The orifices 26 and the associated internal channels 3 are arranged to allow a fluidic connection between the water condenser 32 and the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX), in particular by minimizing the length of the internal channels 3 between these components 32 and 5. One of the orifices 26 defines an outlet 24 (see Figure 4) from the water condenser 32 to the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX). One of the orifices 26 defines an inlet 23 (see Figure 3) to the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX) from the plate support 2.

[0105]

[0097] Connection ports 26 of the plate support 2 are configured to define inlets / outlets 34 for the refrigerant to two water evaporators 35 (or chiller) in parallel.

[0106]

[0098] The refrigerant module 1 includes two expansion valves 37 fixed to the plate support 2, each expansion valve 37 being fluidly connected to one of the internal channels 3 of the plate support 2 to regulate the expansion of the refrigerant.

[0107]

[0099] The electric type compressor 29 is mechanically fixed to the plate support 2, and the compressor 29 is fluidly connected to the internal channels 3 to draw in or discharge the refrigerant into the respective internal channel 3.

[0108]

[0100] The compressor 29 is connected to the plate support 2 by screws or studs inserted into holes 41 on the plate support 2.

[0109]

[0101] The compressor 29 cannot be brazed onto the plate support 2 because it cannot pass through a brazing furnace.

[0102] Therefore, the mounting of the compressor 29 onto the plate support 2 is done by mechanical means.

[0110]

[0103] The compressor 29 has a discharge port 33 (illustrated in figure 2), connected to an external tube (not shown).

[0111]

[0104] The compressor 29 has a suction port 31 (illustrated in figure 6) on the side of the compressor 29.

[0112]

[0105] A pressure sensor can be placed on the discharge port 33 of the compressor 29.

[0113]

[0106] An intermediate block 47 is placed between the compressor 29 and the plate support 2 to bring the refrigerant to the suction port 31 of the compressor 29.

[0114]

[0107] The discharge port 33 of the compressor 29 is connected to a pipe or tubing (not shown), allowing the fluid to be conveyed to the water condenser 32.

[0115]

[0108] The water condenser 32 is fixed (or brazed) onto the plate support 2, and connected to at least one of the internal channels 3 of the plate support 2.

[0116]

[0109] The two water evaporators 35 (or chillers) are brazed onto the plate support 2, each water evaporator 35 being connected to at least one of the internal channels 3 of the plate support 2.

[0117]

[0110] The refrigerant module 1 includes a desiccant bottle 48 mounted on the water condenser 32.

[0118]

[0111] The refrigerant module 1 optionally includes a subcooler, configured to subcool the refrigerant after its condensation in the water condenser 32, before it enters the next cycle (such as an expansion valve or other heat exchanger).

[0119]

[0112] One of the connection ports 26 of the plate support 2 is configured to fix a pressure and / or temperature sensor 30, said sensor 30 being mounted for example via a part brazed or screwed onto the plate support 2.

[0120]

[0113] As illustrated in Figure 4, the refrigerant module 1 includes at least one distribution block 51 interposed between the two expansion valves 37, in particular said block 51 being brazed or fixed to the plate support 2 and comprising distribution channels 52 fluidly connected to the internal channel 3 of the plate support 2. The distribution channels 52 are for example T-shaped.

[0121]

[0114] The compressor 29 includes a charging port 39.

[0122]

[0115] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the refrigerant module 1, said method comprising the following steps: - providing the plate support 2, formed of at least two plates 7, 9 superimposed and assembled to define several internal channels 3 allowing refrigerant circulation, at least one of the plates 7 being provided with embossed reliefs 8;

[0123] - place the heat exchanger 5 (IHX) and preferably the two water evaporators 35 and / or the water condenser 32 on the plate support 2, on predefined contact areas;

[0124] - assemble the whole in a brazing furnace, advantageously with homogeneous compression which is applied on the heat exchanger 5 and preferably the two water evaporators 35 and / or the water condenser 32; - braze together the predefined contact areas resulting in brazing areas 6.

[0125]

[0116] The brazing zones 6 are located on the summits of the indented reliefs 12.

[0126] Several heat exchangers 5, 35, 32 are brazed simultaneously onto the same plate support 2.

[0127]

[0117] The process includes a step subsequent to brazing, which is:

[0128] - mechanically mount to the plate support 2, one or more additional components, such as one or more expansion valves 37, a compressor 29, one or more pressure / temperature sensors 30.

[0129]

[0118] The compressor 29, of the electric type, includes a compression stage comprising a compression mechanism configured to compress a refrigerant from the air conditioning circuit 62, of the heat pump type (in particular of the direct type).

[0130]

[0119] Figure 7 schematically illustrates the arrangement of the different elements in the air conditioning circuit 62 of the heat pump type.

[0131]

[0120] As can be seen in this figure, the high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 29, generally through an outlet located on the upper or rear part of the compressor. This high-pressure refrigerant is routed directly to the water-cooled condenser 32. The latter cools the refrigerant by transferring heat to a water circuit or another heat transfer fluid.

[0132]

[0121] The cooled refrigerant is sent to the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX). In this exchanger, a cross heat exchange takes place between, on the one hand, the high-pressure refrigerant from the water condenser, and on the other hand, the low-pressure refrigerant from the evaporator 35 (chiller).

[0133]

[0122] The high-pressure refrigerant, at the outlet of the IHX, is directed to the expansion valves (EXV) 37. After expansion in the expansion valves, the refrigerant, now at low pressure, enters the evaporators 35 (chillers).

[0123] In the evaporators 35, the refrigerant absorbs heat, thus cooling a heat transfer fluid (for example, water or another secondary fluid). Once the heat has been absorbed in the evaporators, the low-pressure refrigerant returns to the IHX.

[0134]

[0124] The refrigerant, after passing through the low-pressure side of the IHX, is returned to the compressor 29 to begin a new cycle.

[0135]

[0125] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor 29 comprises a control electronic 38 which is housed in a compartment integral with a housing of the compressor 29.

[0136]

[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, the compressor 29 comprises control electronics which are housed in a compartment which is disposed at an end opposite to the compression stage.

[0137]

[0127] Thus, for example, the electric motor is interposed between the compression stage and the control electronics of this motor.

[0138]

[0128] Advantageously, the plate support 2 is configured to be mounted directly on the compressor 29, ensuring optimized mechanical and fluidic integration between these two parts. This reduces intermediate connections and improves the compactness of the refrigerant module 1.

[0139]

[0129] In another configuration illustrated in figure 8, the desiccant bottle 48 is placed on the other side of the plate support 2 with respect to the water condenser 32.

[0140]

[0130] In this case, the desiccant bottle 48 is fluidically connected to the water condenser 32 by a fluidic connection block 55 which includes two internal channels for respectively bringing and recovering the refrigerant between these two components.

[0141]

[0131] As illustrated in figure 9, the plate support 2 includes a window 56, for example of rectangular contour, configured for the passage of the fluidic connection block 55 on either side of the plate support 2.

[0142]

[0132] The desiccant bottle 48 is placed opposite the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX), attached or not to the internal heat exchanger 5 (IHX).

[0143]

[0133] In another configuration illustrated in Figure 10, all the fluidic function components (the heat exchangers 5, 32, 35, the receiver drier 48 and the expansion valves 37) are grouped on one side of the plate support 2. The receiver drier 48 is placed on the water condenser 32.

[0134] Thus, the heat transfer fluid (or water) connections and / or the refrigerant connections can be grouped respectively on one side of the plate support 2.

Claims

DEMANDS

1. Refrigerant module (1) comprising: - a plate support (2), formed of at least two plates (7, 9) superimposed and assembled to define one or more internal channels (3) allowing refrigerant circulation, - at least one heat exchanger (5), in particular an internal heat exchanger (IHX), brazed to the plate support (2) on one or more brazing zones (6) of the plate support (2), the internal channel (3) of the plate support (2) being fluidly connected to the heat exchanger (5).

2. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate support (2) comprises a first plate (7) provided with embossed reliefs (8) allowing to define said internal channel(s) (3), and a second plate (9) superimposed on the first plate (7).

3. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the second plate (9) is provided with embossed reliefs (10) enabling the definition of said internal channel(s) (3).

4. Module according to claim 2, wherein the second plate (9) is globally flat, namely without embossed reliefs allowing to define said internal channel(s) (3).

5. Module according to claim 4, wherein the heat exchanger(s) (5) are brazed onto the flat plate, without stamping, of the plate support (2).

6. Module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the stamped reliefs (8, 10) have flat tops (12), serving as brazing areas (6) for brazing the heat exchanger (5).

7. Module according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the embossed reliefs (8) of the first plate are distributed so as to define one or more thermal insulation spaces in the form of air gaps (14), between the plate support (2) and the heat exchanger (5) brazed onto these embossed reliefs (8).

8. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant module (1) comprises a compressor (29), in particular an electric compressor (29), mechanically fixed to the plate support (2), for example via drilled holes, the compressor (29) being fluidly connected to one of the internal channels (3) to draw or discharge the refrigerant into that internal channel (3).

9. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant module (1) comprises a water condenser fixed or brazed to the plate support (2), and connected to at least one of the internal channels (3) of the plate support (2), and / or at least one water evaporator, brazed to the plate support (2), the water evaporator being connected to at least one of the internal channels (3) of the plate support (2), and / or at least one desiccant bottle, for example, mounted on the plate support (2).

10. Air conditioning circuit, of heat pump type, comprising a refrigerant module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for manufacturing a refrigerant module (1) comprising a plate support (2) and at least one heat exchanger (5), said method comprising the following steps: - provide the plate support (2), formed of at least two plates (7, 9) superimposed and assembled to define one or more internal channels (3) allowing refrigerant circulation, at least one of the plates (7) being provided with embossed reliefs (8); - place at least one heat exchanger (5) on the plate support (2), on one or more predefined contact areas; - assemble the assembly in a brazing furnace, advantageously with homogeneous compression applied to the heat exchanger(s) (5); - braze together the predefined contact areas resulting in brazing areas (6).

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