U.S. patent application number 13/508104 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for cooling station as a central hydraulic circuit and distribution system for sorption machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to INVENSOR GMBH. Invention is credited to Niels Braunschweig, Soeren Paulussen.
Application Number | 20120260682 13/508104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43768967 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Braunschweig; Niels ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
COOLING STATION AS A CENTRAL HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT AND DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM FOR SORPTION MACHINES
Abstract
The invention relates to a distributor device that can be
connected to a sorption machine and can be used with the sorption
machine for the hydraulic and/or electric connection of different
components. Said device comprises at least one pump (1) and
components for driving, measuring, heat-exchanging, controlling
and/or regulating a driving, recooling, heating and/or cooling
circuit of the sorption machine.
Inventors: |
Braunschweig; Niels;
(Berlin, DE) ; Paulussen; Soeren; (Berlin,
DE) |
Assignee: |
INVENSOR GMBH
Berlin
DE
|
Family ID: |
43768967 |
Appl. No.: |
13/508104 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
November 4, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE10/01300 |
371 Date: |
June 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/101 ;
62/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 9/144 20130101;
F24F 3/1411 20130101; F24D 3/1066 20130101; F24H 9/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/101 ;
62/476 |
International
Class: |
F25B 15/00 20060101
F25B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 053 173.4 |
Claims
1. A distributor device for sorption machines, comprising:
connections for a hydraulic and/or electrical connection of various
components to a sorption machine and a housing and/or frame,
wherein the device is arranged in or on the housing or frame and
for an operation with the sorption machine is connected thereto via
pipes, lines, hoses and/or cables, and has at least one pump and
further components for driving, pumping, heat-exchanging,
measuring, controlling and/or regulating a drive circuit, recooling
circuit, heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption
machine or is prepared for a installation thereof.
2. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein at least
one mixer is integrated into the distributor device.
3. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein at least
one pipe, line and/or hose coming from the sorption machine,
originating from a circuit of the sorption machine, comprising the
recooling circuit, the refrigeration circuit and/or the drive
circuit, is connected to the distributor device for an operation
with the sorption machine.
4. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein components
comprise pumps, volumetric flow rate displays, temperature
displays, expansion tanks, safety devices, filling and emptying
devices and similar components.
5. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein at least
one valve comprising stop cock, line regulating valve, three-way
valve or multiway valve and/or safety valve, is integrated into the
distributor device.
6. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein the housing
or the frame is produced from a material comprising metal or
plastic.
7. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein the housing
or the frame is attached on a horizontal or vertical plane or a
stand and is either ground-mounted, wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted
or installed on other components.
8. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein an
operating and/or display device and/or connections for
the-hydraulic and/or electrical components are arranged on the
housing.
9. The distributor device according to claim 1, wherein the
distributor device is integrated into a housing of the sorption
machine and/or is connected thereto.
10. A method for interconnecting hydraulic and/or electrical
components with a sorption machine comprising: providing the
distributor device according to claim 1 and interconnecting
hydraulic and/or electrical components with the sorption
machine.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein there is a connection between
lines of the circuits and fluid flows and energy flows between the
lines exist or can be exchanged.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein a shift between the lines can
take place and connected components, with different circuits of the
sorption machine comprising the drive circuit, recooling circuit
and/or refrigerating circuit, are connected to the sorption
machine.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a distributor device that can be
connected to a sorption machine, wherein the distributor device has
connections for the hydraulic and/or electrical connection of
various components to the sorption machine, at least one pump and
further components for driving, measuring, heat exchanging,
controlling and or regulating a drive circuit, recooling circuit,
heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption machine
and is connected to the sorption machine by means of pipes, lines,
hoses and/or cables.
[0002] In the prior art refrigerating machines comprising
refrigerating plants are described, which in general serve to heat
and/or cool buildings. Refrigerating machines implement
thermodynamic cycles in which, e.g., heat is absorbed below ambient
temperature and emitted at higher temperature. These cycles in
refrigerating machines are essentially identical to the cycles in
heat pumps. For this reason, refrigerating machines can also be
regarded as heat pumps. Well-known refrigerating machines are, for
example, sorption refrigeration systems (e.g., absorption
refrigerators or adsorption refrigerators), diffusion-absorption
refrigerating machines, or solid sorption heat pumps as well as
compression refrigerators. The driving heat for desorption and the
absorbed heat at low temperature level in refrigeration represent
heat sources for sorption refrigerating machines. Both of these
heat flows must leave the machines again in order to keep the
sorption processes running. As a rule, this is accomplished by
recooling the heat of condensation and adsorption heat into the
environment.
[0003] An adsorpton refrigerator is composed of an
adsorption/desorber unit, an evaporator, a condenser and/or a
combined evaporator/condenser unit, which are accommodated in a
common container or in separate containers, which then are
connected to one another with pipes or the like for the refrigerant
flow. The advantage of sorption machines compared to conventional
heat pumps is that the sequence of the adsorption/desorption is
carried out solely by the temperature control of the sorbent. The
container of the adsorption machine can thus be closed in a
hermetically and gas-tight manner. With the use of water, for
example, as a refrigerant, the adsorption refrigerator preferably
operates in the vacuum range.
[0004] The adsorption taking place in an adsorption machine
describes a physical process in which a gaseous refrigerant (for
example, water/water vapor) attaches to a solid, wherein during the
attachment energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the solid.
The desorption of the refrigerant, that is, the release of the
refrigerant from the sold, in turn requires energy. In an
adsorption refrigerator, the refrigerant, which absorbs heat at low
temperature and low pressure and gives off heat at higher
temperature and higher pressure, is selected such that a change of
state is associated with the adsorption or desorption. As an
adsorbent, in the prior art materials are described, which are
fine-pored and consequently have a very large inner surface.
Advantageous materials are activated carbon, zeolite, aluminum
oxide or silica gel, aluminum phosphate, silica phosphate, aluminum
phosphate, metal-silica aluminum phosphate, metostructured
silicates, metallo-organic skeletons and/or microporous material,
comprising microporous polymers.
[0005] In the process of the adsorption machine, the adsorption
heat and the heat of condensation must be removed from the system.
This generally takes place via a flowing heat transfer medium that
transports this heat to a heat sink, e.g. to a recooling plant
which emits the heat to the ambient air. However, if the adsorption
heat and/or the heat of condensation is not emitted or is emitted
poorly, the temperatures and thus the pressures inside the
adsorption machine would rise and the adsorption process would come
to a stop. Thus the efficiency of an adsorption machine can be
considerably increased by an improved heat transfer, which
inevitably also increases the cost-effectiveness of the system.
[0006] Preferably, three temperature levels are crucially important
in sorption heat pumps: a) the temperature level of the heat source
driving the desorption process, e.g. 80.degree. C.; b) the
temperature level of the actual refrigeration or of the heat to be
absorbed by the sorption heat pump, e.g. 10.degree. C., at this
temperature level the evaporation of the refrigerant takes place,
c) the temperature level of recooling or heat release into the
environment, e.g. 40.degree. C. At this temperature level, the heat
of condensation and sorption heat produced in the sorption heat
pump are dissipated into the environment and thus withdrawn from
the sorption heat pump. Accordingly, three circuits are important
for the operation of the sorption pump (sorption heat pump or
sorption refrigeration pump): the refrigeration circuit, the
recooling circuit and the drive circuit.
[0007] In the prior art different sorption machines are disclosed
in which the heat transfer medium as a rule flows through a line
with heat exchangers (adsorbers or condensers), hydraulic pipes,
hydraulic components (e.g., valves). Thus DE 3207 435 A1 describes
a control and regulating device for a sorption heat pump. The
control and regulating device measures the temperature in the
circuit of a consumer fluid and adjusts the volume flows depending
on the temperature. The regulation of the flows is carried out via
a three-way valve known in the prior art.
[0008] Sorption machines are often used as refrigeration plants in
buildings. The assembly of a refrigeration plant requires the
installation of refrigerator and further components, such as
recoolers, space cooling fans and/or buffer reservoirs and the
establishment of connections between these components, which also
includes the installation of pumps, shut-off valves and control
valve. Unfavorable cable layouts are often produced thereby, which
cause high flow losses and a high pipeline material
expenditure.
[0009] The correct design of a refrigerating plant is just as
important as the design of the overall system of the refrigeration
application, taking all of the individual components into
consideration. In most cases, an adaptation of an operating concept
to the requirements and wishes of the customers is necessary. Thus
the incorporation and assembly of all individual components is
crucial for an economical refrigeration supply. The
cost-effectiveness is very important, since this is the only way of
meeting the requirement for the functional and highest possible
savings in terms of primary energy and costs. In particular with
thermally driven sorption systems and refrigeration plants an
optimal design and implementation must be ensured. Since the
temperature spreads of all circuits are very small (2-6 K) and the
system performance is very dependent on the volumetric flow
rate/mass flow rate. The product of mass flow rate and temperature
difference is equivalent to the rated capacity (see equation 1).
The implementation according to design agreements can be simplified
in that the system manufacturer has the option of directly
supporting the user with a simple installation. The essential
agreements are entered into between the user and the manufacturer
in advance so that individual applications are planned in a
performance-oriented manner and are implemented directly by the
manufacturer.
[0010] The disadvantage hereby is that all systems and system
components have been tested only under fixed and planned
conditions. In practice the systems and components are usually
installed differently than on the test bench. The hydraulic and
electrical circuitry is thus one of the most frequent sources of
errors in the practical application of heat engineering and
refrigerating engineering systems. Most errors in the hydraulic and
electrical circuitry cannot be ruled out despite intensive
communication with customers and installers in the planning phase.
In the case of thermally driven refrigeration applications, the
temperature differences in the different circuits are very small.
Very precise temperature values must be maintained for a certain
drive power, recooling capacity and refrigerating capacity. As the
last variable of equation 1 it is necessary to pay close attention
to maintenance of the rated volumetric flow rates.
Q=mc.sub.p(.DELTA.t.sub.m) Equation 1
[0011] If the temperature difference of 2-6 K is changed by 1 K,
this has an effect on the capacity by between 15 and 50 percent. If
the temperature difference is correctly designed and the variable
"volumetric flow rate" or "mass flow rate" is changed, this has
just as great an influence on the capacity and efficiency of the
refrigeration plant.
[0012] The object of the invention was therefore to provide a
device that renders possible an optimal interconnection, an
installation and an operation of a sorption machine, wherein the
device does not have the disadvantages or defects of the prior
art.
[0013] The object is attained by the independent claims.
Advantageous embodiments are shown by the dependent claims.
[0014] It was very surprising that a compact distributor device for
sorption machines can be provided, which does not have the
disadvantages and defects of the prior art and which renders
possible a simple and error-minimized installation of the sorption
machine, wherein the distributor device comprises connections for
the hydraulic and/or electrical interconnection of various
components to a sorption machine and a housing and/or frame,
wherein the device is arranged in or on the housing or frame and
for an operation with the sorption machine is connected thereto by
means of pipes, lines, hoses and/or cables and has at least one
pump and further components for driving, pumping, heat exchanging,
measuring, controlling and/or regulating a drive circuit, recooling
circuit, heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption
machine or has prepared the installation thereof.
[0015] It was very surprising that a device renders possible a
central interconnection and supply of the various circuits that
come from the sorption machine and lead into it. The distributor
device can thus surprisingly also be used for the interconnection
of hydraulic and/or electrical components, preferably connections
of a sorption machine, preferably of an adsorption machine,
[0016] In particular, the device also relates to a compact
distributor device, preferably for sorption machines, for a simple
and error-minimized installation comprising connections for the
hydraulic and/or electrical interconnection of various components
to a sorption machine and a housing or frame, wherein the device is
arranged in or on the housing or frame and in particular for an
operation with the sorption machine can be connected by means of
pipes, lines, hoses and/or cables and has means for driving,
measuring, controlling and/or regulating a drive circuit, recooling
circuit, heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption
machine.
[0017] The invention preferably relates to a distributor device for
sorption machines, comprising connections for the hydraulic and
electrical interconnection of various components to a sorption
machine and a housing and/or frame, wherein the device is arranged
in or on the housing or frame and for an operation with the
sorption machine is connected thereto by means of pipes, lines,
hoses and or cables and has at least one pump and further
components for driving, pumping, measuring, controlling and
regulating a drive circuit, recooling circuit, heat circuit and/or
refrigeration circuit or has prepared the installation thereof.
[0018] A circuit designed and installed in a hydraulically and
electrically correct manner is the basis for a functional operating
mode. In most cases this is established and implemented by the
installer or by the customer himself, independently and without
monitoring by others. Thus, e.g., pumps, mixers, valves, displays
etc. are designed/sized, selected and installed by installers or
planners who often are not aware of the effects of incorrectly
designed and selected components. Moreover, conventional installers
are technically overwhelmed by the design and consideration of the
interaction of all installed components in the design and
selection.
[0019] The device according to the invention renders possible a
simple and quick installation of the sorption machine and a
connection thereof to existing circuits (e.g., of an
air-conditioning system) or lines. The distributor device can
hereby already have at least one pump and further components for
driving, pumping, measuring, controlling and/or regulating a drive
circuit, recooling circuit, heat circuit and/or refrigeration
circuit of the sorption machine, wherein the distributor device can
also have holding fixtures for the installation of the at least one
pump and further components for driving, pumping, measuring,
controlling and/or regulating a drive circuit, recooling circuit,
heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption machine.
A holding fixture within the meaning of the invention can be in
particular a device (e.g., retaining device, slot, module, plug-in,
recess, etc.) which renders possible an attachment of a pump and
components and which prepares the connections (e.g., electrical
and/or hydraulic connections) necessary for the pump and components
so that the pump and components can be functionally integrated
easily and quickly into the distributor device and connected to the
sorption machine.
[0020] It was very surprising that a device can be provided which
in the shipping condition is not connected to a sorption machine,
but can be connected thereto easily and renders possible an
effective integration of the sorption machine into a refrigerating
plant. That means that the distributor device according to the
invention is not a component of a sorption machine, but is a
separate device, which, however, advantageously can be integrated
into the housing of the sorption machine. For this purpose, the
distributor device advantageously already has all of the relevant
connections for the hydraulic and/or electrical interconnection of
the sorption machine to the refrigerating plant and has at least
one pump. Within the meaning of the invention, a pump designates in
particular machines with which fluids are conveyed. In particular
liquids, liquid/solid mixtures, pastes and gases can be pumped. It
was surprising that, in particular by an integration of a pump into
the distributor device, a device can be provided that is purchased
independently of the sorption machine but renders possible an
integration thereof into a new or already existing refrigerating
plant.
[0021] The invention also relates to a distributor device for
sorption machines, comprising connections for the hydraulic and/or
electrical interconnection of various components with a sorption
machine and a housing and/or frame, wherein the device is arranged
in or on the housing or frame and in particular for an operation
with the sorption machine is, in particular will be, connected
thereto by means of pipes, lines, hoses and/or cables, and at least
one pump and further components for driving, pumping, measuring,
controlling and/or regulating a drive circuit, recooling circuit,
heat circuit and/or refrigeration circuit of the sorption machine
or preferably has prepared the installation thereof.
[0022] The circuits preferably comprise the recooling circuit, the
refrigeration circuit and the drive circuit, which are connected
via the device to a consumer, for example. Within the meaning of
the invention, the consumer can be in particular a room to be
cooled or to be heated or a recooling device. The assembly of the
different circuits in a central device that carries out the
measuring, driving, controlling and/or regulating of the circuits
has numerous advantages over the prior art. The capacity of the
sorption machine, which within the meaning of the invention in
particular is an adsorption machine or an absorption machine, can
be controlled easily and quickly via the device according to the
invention. For this purpose, the device also has electrical or
electronic components, which display to a user, for example,
information on the mode of operation, the efficiency or the heating
capacity/refrigerating capacity of the machine. Moreover, further
components comprising pumps, volumetric flow rate displays,
temperature displays, expansion tanks, safety devices, filling and
emptying devices and similar components are integrated into the
device. A simple control and monitoring of the sorption machine
with respect to a desired capacity is hereby possible. It is
preferred that volumetric flow rate displays, temperature displays
and/or pressure displays and/or further components, in particular
heat exchangers, expansion tanks safety devices, filling and
emptying devices and similar components and/or connections therefor
are integrated into the distributor device.
[0023] The user can make changes to the actual capacity, the
capacity currently produced, depending on a desired capacity, i.e.,
a capacity that is to be produced by the machine. For this purpose,
the user can draw on the device according to the invention and,
using it, can change the settings of the sorption machine. Displays
are integrated into the device, which inform the user of the
current mode of operation of the sorption machine. Moreover, pumps,
valves etc. are integrated into the device, which make it possible
for the user to change the actual capacity.
[0024] Advantageously, at least one pipe, line and/or hose coming
from the sorption machine, originating from a circuit of the
sorption machine, comprising recooling circuit, refrigeration
circuit and/or drive circuit, is connected to the distributor
device for an operation with the sorption machine. The distributor
device has connections that are connected to the corresponding
pipes, lines and/or hoses via means known to a person skilled in
the art (e.g., weld fittings, threaded fittings, flanges, fittings,
pipe couplings or screw joints).
[0025] It is furthermore preferred that the pipes, lines or hoses
are composed of metal, plastic, plastic-elastic solids and/or
ceramic materials. Preferred variants comprise steel, stainless
steel, cast iron, copper, brass, nickel alloys, titanium alloys,
aluminum alloys, plastic, combinations of plastic and metal
(composite pipe) combinations of glass and metal (enamel) or
ceramic. Several pipes can be connected to one another in a
positive or non-positive manner. Non-positive connections comprise
locking rings, moldings, curved pipe pieces, screws or rivets.
Closures by adhesive force comprise adhesion, welding, soldering,
pressing, cold welding or vulcanizing. Copper or aluminum can
preferably be used as material for the pipes, wherein the use of
stainless steel can also be advantageous, since it has high static
and dynamic strength values. Pipes of plastic, comprising polyvinyl
chloride, are particularly light and flexible and can thus reduce
the weight. Ceramic materials, comprising structural ceramic
materials, have a high stability and long service life.
Combinations of the listed materials are particularly advantageous,
since different material properties can thus be combined. It can
also be preferred to make in particular the hoses of
plastic-elastic solid materials, in particular rubber.
[0026] The distributor device is preferably connected to the
recooling circuit, the refrigeration circuit, the drive circuit and
the sorption machine and can also be referred to in particular as a
cooling station within the meaning of the invention.
[0027] It is preferred that at least one measuring and/or
regulating device is installed in the sorption machine and in
particular is present brought into contact with at least one of the
circuits. The measuring and/or regulating device measures in
particular physical properties of a volumetric flow or temperature,
pressure and/or flow rate. A volumetric flow is understood by a
person skilled in the art in particular to be the volume of a
medium (e.g., refrigerant or heat transfer medium), which moves
within a time unit through a cross section in particular of a pipe
or a piping length. Consequently, the total volumetric flow above
all comprises the totality of the volumetric flows preferably in
one machine.
[0028] The measuring and/or regulating device is advantageously
attached to at least one pipe such that, for example, a measuring
probe is present in the pipe and is in contact with the fluid
flowing through the pipe. The measured variables are digitalized
and sent as data preferably to the distributor device or a control
device, whereby an optimization of the sorption machine is
possible. Advantageously, it is also possible to store the measured
data and to draw upon them for comparison tests.
[0029] It can be preferred that the measured data--the so-called
actual values--are compared to stipulated desired values and any
difference means that the regulating device is adjusted via the
distributor device such that preferably the nominal pipe size or
the cross section of the free flow, the pressure and/or the
temperature is varied. A continuous and essentially
disturbance-free operation of the machine is thus possible.
Moreover, the machine can be adapted quickly and easily to
different modes of operation. For this, the desired values
preferably correspond to values that define a certain mode of
operation.
[0030] The device preferably comprises electrical parts or
components for measuring, controlling and/or regulating and at
least one pump. The electrical or electronic components preferably
comprise apparatuses or instruments, which in particular render
possible a regulation and/or control of temperature, pressure,
flow, quantity, fill level, speed or concentration. Through the
device according to the invention, it is moreover surprisingly
possible to keep the essentially changeable values (such as
temperature or pressure) occurring in the sorption machine constant
(or changeable in a targeted manner), that is, to equalize
disturbances.
[0031] An early and comprehensive avoidance of interconnection
errors is possible, whereby a constant and lossless operation of
the machine is ensured. The device is hydraulically and/or
electrically preassembled so that no time needs to be spent on
ordering and selecting the individual components. Moreover, the
installation time of the machine can be considerably reduced. The
device can be easily connected to a refrigerating machine e.g., a
sorption machine. For the electrical interconnection preferably a
control element is integrated into the device, wherein clamping
strips of the sorption machine and control element are preferably
numbered the same, so that connection errors can be avoided.
[0032] Advantageously, the mode of operation and the operating
points of the sorption machine connected to the device can be
changed by means of the distributor device. This can be carried
out, for example, by a change of a volumetric flow, the pressure or
the temperature.
[0033] The person skilled in the art knows that operating points
can designate certain points in the family of characteristics or
the characteristic curve of a technical device, preferably a
sorption machine, particularly preferably an adsorption
refrigerating machine or an adsorption heat pump, which are taken
based on system properties and acting outside influences and
parameters. Examples of this are the temperatures of the heat sinks
and heat sources or total volume flows in the recooling circuit, in
the evaporator or desorber line.
[0034] Within the meaning of the invention, the mode of operation
preferably designates the manner of the operating control of the
machine, Examples of this are the adaptation of the cycle times of
the sorption machine, that is, the capacity of the machine can be
increased by short cycle times, whereas longer cycle times lead to
a higher efficiency.
[0035] Within the meaning of the invention, a recooler or a
recooling device designates in particular a device for cooling
preferably the heat transfer fluid, that is, to dissipate the
absorbed energy into a different fluid or medium. The heat transfer
fluid is fed back to the recooler via the recooling circuit. A
recooler can comprise for example an air heat exchanger, a
geothermal heat exchanger, a swimming pool, a fountain or another
device for cooling or for absorbing thermal energy. The volume flow
flowing through the machine is preferably a heat transfer fluid,
that is, a fluid that can absorb and emit energy in the form of
heat. Preferred heat transfer fluids comprise water or brine. These
are particularly environmentally friendly and reasonable to
purchase. Moreover, the flow properties of water and brine are
optimal for a sorption machine. Furthermore, both designate a large
heat accumulator, wherein the heat likewise can be quickly
dissipated again.
[0036] The refrigeration circuit designates within the meaning of
the invention in particular the circuit in which the refrigeration
produced by the sorption machine is guided to the consumer to be
cooled. For instance room-cooling units, such as cooling fans are
connected to the sorption machine via this circuit.
[0037] In particular heat sources comprising solar systems, gas
burners, combined heat and power plants, district heating lines and
buffer reservoirs are connected to the sorption machine with the
drive circuit. The sorption machine is hereby supplied preferably
with the required heat for operation.
[0038] It is preferred that at least one mixer is integrated in the
distributor device. A mixer within the meaning of the invention is
in particular a valve that is composed of at least two pipes and
renders possible the mixture of at least two liquids or gases. A
mixer is also known to a person skilled in the art under the terms
mixer valve, three-way cock and three-way mixer, which are used
synonymously within the meaning of the invention. The mixer renders
possible e.g. the mixing of a cold medium with a hot medium,
whereby an adjustment of a defined temperature is possible. It is
thus possible, for example, to adjust a desired temperature of the
recooling circuit, refrigerating circuit and/or drive circuit,
wherein the adjustment is achieved via electrical and or hydraulic
components of the distributor device.
[0039] Advantageously, at least one valve, comprising stop cock,
line regulating valve, three-way valve or multiway valve and/or
safety valve, is integrated into the distributor device.
Advantageously, different valves that can be grouped according to
their geometric shape, can be integrated into pipes, for example.
Moreover, valves comprising straight-way valves, angle valves,
Y-valves and/or three-way valves can hereby be used. Through the
use of the valves the flow volumes in the pipelines can be metered
exactly and precisely as well as securely sealed against the
environment. The valves can be actuated advantageously by hand, by
medium, mechanically or electromagnetically and thus render
possible an exact and safe regulation of the volume flows. It was
very surprising that the integration of at least one valve into the
distributor device renders possible a quick and efficient
regulation of the sorption machine, wherein the valves can also be
regulated and programmed automatically.
[0040] The housing or the frame of the distributor device is
preferably produced from a material comprising metal or plastic. A
space-saving, clearly organized and well designed distributor
device installed in a robust metal housing can hereby be provided.
Moreover, a optimal strength of the housing or the frame as well as
an optimal stability can be achieved. Preferred variants hereby
comprise steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, brass, nickel
alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, combinations of plastic
and metal (composite pipe), combinations of glass and metal
(enamel) or ceramic. Ceramic materials, comprising structural
ceramic materials, have a high stability and a long service life.
Moreover, weight can be saved by this advantageous variant. The
housing or the frame can preferably be attached on a horizontal or
vertical plane or a stand and either ground-mounted, wall-mounted
or ceiling-mounted or installed on other components.
Advantageously, an operating and/or display device and/or
connections for the hydraulic and/or electrical components are
arranged on or in the housing. As operating device preferably
knobs, switches, levers or also all kinds of displays and keys can
be integrated.
[0041] It can also be preferred that the distributor device is
integrated into a housing of the sorption machine and/or is
connected thereto. It was very surprising that the device can also
be integrated into a sorption machine. The distributor device can
hereby be installed in the housing of the sorption machine or can
be connected to the housing or the frame of the sorption
machine.
[0042] It is also preferred that there are connections between
lines of the circuits and that fluid flows and energy flows between
the lines exist or can be exchanged. The person skilled in the art
knows that lines comprise pipes, leads or hoses. The connection can
be established in the form of valves, whereby the fluid flowing
through the lines can flow from one circuit into another. That
means it can be preferred that the recooling circuit is connected
to the refrigerating circuit or the drive circuit, wherein any
connection of the circuits can be produced. Surprisingly, a free
refrigeration and/or a thermal frost protection can be achieved
hereby. Also advantageously a shift between the lines can take
place and the connected components connected to different circuits
of the sorption machine comprising drive circuit, recooling circuit
and/or refrigerating circuit connected with the sorption machine.
That is, the connected components can be used differently with the
sorption machine, whereby a shifting e.g. between refrigeration
utilization and heat utilization is possible.
[0043] It can also be preferred that a line regulating valve is
integrated into the distributor device. Within the meaning of the
invention a line regulating valve is in particular a flow
restrictor. It can also be preferred to integrate line regulating
valves or shut-off valves with bypass flow meter.
[0044] Furthermore, it is preferred that connections are created
between the lead lines which preferably render possible a free
cooling and/or thermal frost protection or other fluid and energy
flows between the lines. The lead lines within the meaning of the
invention designate the lines of the work circuit, recooling
circuit, heating circuit and/or refrigerating circuit.
[0045] It can be preferred that a shift between the lead lines can
take place and the connected components are connected differently
with the sorption machine in order, e.g., to change between
refrigeration utilization and heat utilization.
[0046] The following advantages can be achieved by means of the
distributor device: [0047] Coordinated pumps, mixers, volumetric
flow displays and connections expertly selected and sized in a
manner fitted to the sorption machine, [0048] Hydraulically
preassembled (saves installation time, saves time for ordering and
selecting the individual components), [0049] Electrically
preassembled (saves installation time, saves time for ordering and
selecting the individual components), [0050] Specific motor
protection, [0051] Simple connection of the sorption machine or
refrigerating machine and control element, since the clamping
strips are numbered the same, [0052] The most frequent errors in
the design, implementation and function of hydraulic and electrical
system engineering are avoided by the cooling station, [0053]
Space-saving, clearly arranged and well designed installed in a
robust metal housing, [0054] Preassembled in a power plug-ready
manner, [0055] A plurality of hydraulically and (control
engineering) technical variants can be integrated into the device,
[0056] For refrigeration applications which are in use all year
round, a variant for free refrigeration can be installed as well
into the device, [0057] For refrigeration applications that support
the heating in winter (heat pump operation), a variant for heating
supply can also be installed in the device. [0058] Refrigerating
circuit pumps, recooling circuit pumps and drive circuit pumps can
be integrated into the device, [0059] Volumetric flow displays or
line regulating valves can be integrated into the device, [0060]
Stop cocks can be integrated into the device, [0061] Expansion
tanks, filling and emptying devices, safety vales, pressure
displays etc. or connections for them can be integrated into the
device, [0062] Development of a distributor device specially for
thermally driven refrigerating machines as distributor and
collector, [0063] Attachment of the hydraulic and electrical
components in a housing for simplified installation and
maintenance, [0064] The installation can also be carried out in a
housing, on a frame work, a metal wall or an installation rail,
[0065] The connections for the installer can be attached outside on
the housing or in the interior of the device, [0066] The device can
contain different components in a need-oriented manner as long as
their function as collection point of the connection circuits to
the sorption machine or refrigeration plant is maintained or [0067]
The cooling station can advantageously contain solely the hydraulic
components, if the electrical regulation/control is carried out
elsewhere.
[0068] Further advantages of the distributor device according to
the invention are: reduction of cost, simplification, savings in
time, material, work steps, cost or raw materials difficult to
obtain, increased reliability, elimination of errors, increase in
quality, maintenance free, greater effectiveness, higher yield,
increase in technical options, opening up of a new field, first
solution of a problem, possibility of rationalization and/or
miniaturization.
[0069] The invention is now described by way of example based on
figures, without being restricted thereto, they show:
[0070] FIG. 1 diagrammatic representation of a distributor
device
[0071] FIG. 2 interconnection of a preferred distributor device
[0072] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a distributor
device. In the distributor device, for example, three pumps 1, a
mixer 2 (e.g., three-way mixer), six pump valves, four shut-off
ball valves 4 and 3 flow restrictors 5 are installed or the
connections for them are provided. Moreover electrical connections
or components can be installed, in the preferred distributor
device, which, for example, have a protective motor switch (not
shown), a relay (not shown) fuses (not shown) and a clamping strip
(not shown) with the same numbering as the clamping strip on a
refrigeration system.
[0073] FIG. 2 shows an interconnection of a preferred distributor
device. The distributor device 10 can have electrical and/or
hydraulic connections and be connected to a refrigerating machine
9, preferably a sorption machine, particularly preferably an
adsorption refrigeration machine. The distributor device is hereby
connected to a recooling circuit 7, a drive circuit 8 and a
refrigerating circuit 6, wherein the distributor device is
preferably completely preassembled, wired and connection-ready. The
distributor device preferably comprises connections for the
hydraulic and/or electrical interconnection of various components
to a refrigeration machine, preferably a sorption machine, and a
housing and/or frame, wherein the device is arranged in or on the
housing or frame and for an operation with the sorption machine is
connected thereto by means of pipes, lines, hoses and/or cables and
has at least one pump and further components for driving, pumping,
heat exchanging, measuring, controlling and or regulating a drive
circuit, recooling circuit, heat circuit and/or refrigeration
circuit of the sorption machine or has prepared the installation
thereof.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0074] 1 Pumps [0075] 2 Mixer [0076] 3 Pump valves [0077] 4
Shut-off ball valves [0078] 5 Flow restrictor [0079] 6
Refrigeration circuit [0080] 7 Recooling circuit [0081] 8 Drive
circuit [0082] 9 Refrigerating machine [0083] 10 Distributor
device
* * * * *