U.S. patent application number 14/428474 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for heat-conducting plate, especially for cooling or heating a building.
The applicant listed for this patent is UPONOR INNOVATION AB. Invention is credited to Johann Lipinski, Jochen Pfeiffer, Thomas Vogel.
Application Number | 20150226440 14/428474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49182263 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150226440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lipinski; Johann ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
HEAT-CONDUCTING PLATE, ESPECIALLY FOR COOLING OR HEATING A
BUILDING
Abstract
A heat-conducting plate, in particular for cooling or heating a
building. The heat-conducting plate including at least one layer of
expanded graphite and a pipe which is at least partially received
in the layer. The pipe is designed as a multi-layer composite
pipe.
Inventors: |
Lipinski; Johann;
(Ahrensburg, DE) ; Vogel; Thomas; (Prichsenstadt,
DE) ; Pfeiffer; Jochen; (Gochsheim/Weyer,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UPONOR INNOVATION AB |
Virsbo |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
49182263 |
Appl. No.: |
14/428474 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
September 16, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/069164 |
371 Date: |
March 16, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 21/02 20130101;
F28F 1/20 20130101; F24D 3/16 20130101; F28D 1/0477 20130101; F24F
5/0089 20130101; F24D 3/165 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24D 3/16 20060101
F24D003/16; F28F 21/02 20060101 F28F021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2012 |
DE |
20 2012 103 540.5 |
Claims
1. A heat-conducting plate for cooling or heating a building,
comprising at least one layer of expanded graphite and a pipe which
is at least partially received in the layer, wherein the pipe is
designed as a multi-layer composite pipe.
2. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, in which the
multi-layer composite pipe has an inner plastic layer, an
adhesion-promoting layer and an outer metal layer.
3. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, in which the
multi-layer composite pipe has an inner plastic layer, an
adhesion-promoting layer, a metal layer, a further
adhesion-promoting layer and an outer plastic layer.
4. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 2, in which the
inner plastic layer and/or the outer plastic layer are formed
essentially from polyethylene (PE) and the metal layer is formed
essentially from an aluminum material.
5. The heat-conducting plate according to one-of claim 1, in which
at least one surface is perforated or has textures.
6. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, in which at
least one surface has a layer of mineral wool.
7. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, in which
provision is made of holding apparatuses for attachment to further
heat-conducting plates or other elements, including wall and
ceiling surfaces.
8. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, which is
produced by pressing the expanded graphite with the inserted
multi-layer composite pipe.
9. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, which is
produced by pressing the multi-layer composite pipe into recesses
in the layer.
10. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, which has a
further layer of expanded graphite and is produced by pressing the
two layers with the multi-layer composite pipe arranged
therebetween.
11. The heat-conducting plate according to claim 1, which comprises
additives, including synthetic resin.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a US National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2013/069164, filed on Sep. 16, 2013, which
claims the priority of DE Application No. 20 2012 103540.5. filed
on Sep. 17, 2012. The contents of each of the above-referenced
applications is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a heat-conducting plate, in
particular for cooling or heating a building, comprising at least
one layer of expanded graphite and a pipe which is at least
partially received in the layer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Heat-conducting plates of the type mentioned in the
introduction are known from the prior art. By way of example,
European patent EP 1 512 933 A2 describes heat-conducting plates
made of expanded graphite without binder with preferred heat
conduction parallel to the plate surface. Furthermore, said
document describes a method for producing the heat-conducting
plates. In this case, completely expanded graphite is compacted
under the directional action of a pressure, such that layer planes
of the graphite are preferably arranged perpendicular to the action
of the pressure, with individual aggregates of the graphite hooking
up with one another. It is thereby possible to produce
self-supporting heat-conducting plates having a thickness, for
example, of 8 to 50 mm.
[0004] Heat-conducting plates of this type are used, for example,
as wall, floor or ceiling elements for heating or cooling a room.
For this purpose, the heat-conducting plate can be used, for
example, in conjunction with heating systems which utilize a fluid
heat transfer medium. Pipes made of metal, for example copper, or
plastic are introduced into the heat-conducting plates for the
transportation of a fluid heat transfer medium, for example water.
The pipes in this respect are generally arranged in a helical or
meandering manner. As an alternative, the pipes can also be placed
between two heat-conducting plates, which are then pressed
together.
[0005] When using plastic pipes, it proves to be a disadvantage
that restoring forces of the pipe arise during the production of
the heat-conducting plate, for example when the pipes are arranged
in a helical or meandering manner in a heat-conducting plate. This
is because the pipes arranged in the expanded graphite readily
undergo elastic deformation during the production as a result of
the action of pressure. These restoring forces can lead to damage
to the heat-conducting plate particularly in the case of relatively
thin heat-conducting plates. Furthermore, it is possible that the
plastic pipes may come loose and become separated on account of
these restoring forces if they are not completely embedded in the
heat-conducting plate. In addition, the pressing of a plastic pipe
into a heat-conducting plate or the pressing together of two
heat-conducting plates with a plastic pipe arranged therebetween
may cause damage to the plastic pipe itself.
[0006] The use of copper pipes is very expensive and, on account of
the high dead weight, leads to heavy heat-conducting plates.
Furthermore, corrosive damage can arise on the copper pipe under
certain conditions. By way of example, the presence of condensed
water and at least one further metal, e.g. aluminum, can form a
galvanic cell on account of the different electrochemical
potentials of the metals, and this leads to galvanic corrosion of
the copper pipe. This can lead, for example, to leaks or to
undesirable discolorations of the copper pipe.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is an object of the invention to present a solution which
avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0008] Said object is achieved according to the invention by a
heat-conducting plate, in particular for cooling or heating a
building, which comprises at least one layer of expanded graphite
and a pipe which is at least partially received in the layer. The
pipe which is at least partially received in the layer is in this
case designed as a multi-layer composite pipe.
[0009] The use of a multi-layer composite pipe prevents restoring
forces from arising during the production of the heat-conducting
plate, for example when the multi-layer composite pipe is arranged
in a helical or meandering manner. A multi-layer composite pipe
bent or shaped according to the desired arrangement essentially
does not alter its shape or its position. If the multi-layer
composite pipe should be bent or deformed during the production
process, it undergoes plastic deformation and no high restoring
forces arise. Damage to the layer of the heat-conducting plate or
separation from the layer is therefore not possible. In contrast to
a pure plastic pipe, the multi-layer composite pipe has greater
stability and thereby contributes to the stability of the entire
heat-conducting plate. In contrast to copper pipes, multi-layer
composite pipes have a considerably lower weight and are not
susceptible to corrosion, in particular in the region of the outer
side of the pipe, in the presence of a second metal. In addition,
it is possible to reduce the production costs of a heat-conducting
plate according to the invention considerably compared to a
heat-conducting plate comprising copper pipes.
[0010] According to an advantageous configuration of the invention,
the multi-layer composite pipe has an inner plastic layer, an
adhesion-promoting layer and an outer metal layer. A multi-layer
composite pipe of this type is distinguished by its low weight
combined with good heat conduction.
[0011] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the multi-layer composite pipe has an inner plastic
layer, an adhesion-promoting layer, a metal layer, a further
adhesion-promoting layer and an outer plastic layer. A multi-layer
composite pipe of this type is distinguished by its high stability
and flexural rigidity.
[0012] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, at least one surface of the heat-conducting plate is
perforated or has textures. When a heat-conducting plate of this
type is used in a building, for example, it is thereby possible to
improve the acoustic properties of the heat-conducting plate, in
particular the sound absorption.
[0013] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, at least one surface of the heat-conducting plate has a
layer of mineral wool. It is thereby likewise possible to improve
the acoustic properties of the heat-conducting plate.
[0014] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the heat-conducting plate is provided with apparatuses
for attachment to further heat-conducting plates or other elements,
in particular wall and ceiling surfaces. A heat-conducting plate
can thereby be attached to a ceiling surface of a room in a
suspended manner, for example.
[0015] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the heat-conducting plate is produced by pressing the
expanded graphite with the inserted multi-layer composite pipe.
[0016] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the heat-conducting plate is produced by pressing the
multi-layer composite pipe into recesses in the layer of expanded
graphite.
[0017] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the heat-conducting plate has a further layer of
expanded graphite and is produced by pressing the two layers with
the multi-layer composite pipe arranged therebetween.
[0018] According to a further advantageous configuration of the
invention, the heat-conducting plate comprises additives, in
particular synthetic resin.
[0019] Further advantageous configurations of the invention are
disclosed in the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments and also the dependent patent claims.
[0020] Hereinbelow, the invention will be described on the basis of
the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying
figures. In the figures, identical components from different
exemplary embodiments are provided with identical reference signs
and are not described repeatedly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate according to a first exemplary embodiment of the
invention,
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
invention,
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate according to a third exemplary embodiment of the
invention,
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a heat-conducting
plate according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the
invention,
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate in the event that a multi-layer composite pipe is pressed in,
according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, and
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate in the event that two layers and a multi-layer composite pipe
are pressed, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
The heat-conducting plate 1 has a layer 2 of expanded graphite.
Furthermore, the heat-conducting plate 1 has a multi-layer
composite pipe 3, which is introduced into the layer 2 partially on
a surface 4.
[0028] The multi-layer composite pipe 3 has an inner plastic layer
5, for example of crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X). Alternatively,
the inner plastic layer 5 can also consist of a polyethylene
material for an increased temperature resistance (PE-RT). Moreover,
the multi-layer composite pipe 3 has an adhesion-promoting layer 6.
The adhesion-promoting layer 6 bonds the inner plastic layer 5 to
an outer metal layer 7. By way of example, the outer metal layer 7
can be produced from an aluminum material or an aluminum alloy.
[0029] A heat-carrying fluid, for example water, flows inside the
multi-layer composite pipe 3, in order to emit heat to the layer 2
or in order to absorb heat from the layer 2.
[0030] The heat-conducting plate 1 is produced by placing the
multi-layer composite pipe 3 into expanded graphite and subsequent
pressing. The action of directional pressure forms the layer 2 of
expanded graphite, into which the multi-layer composite pipe 3 is
at least partially embedded, such that there is a force-fitting
and/or form-fitting connection between the layer 2 and the
multi-layer composite pipe 3.
[0031] Alternatively, the heat-conducting plate 1 can comprise
additives, in particular synthetic resin, in order for example to
increase the stability of the heat-conducting plate 1. In this
case, the additives can be admixed to the expanded graphite during
the production of the layer 2 or can be attached to the layer 2 or
applied thereto subsequently, for example as an additional
layer.
[0032] The heat-conducting plate 1 is suitable, for example, for
use in a building for cooling or heating rooms. It is preferable
for the heat-conducting plate to be suspended on a ceiling of a
room. In this case, the heat-conducting plate 1 absorbs heat from
the ambient air which surrounds it via the layer 2, for example,
and emits this heat to the fluid inside the multi-layer composite
pipe 3 for cooling the room. Conversely, thermal energy of the
fluid is emitted via the multi-layer composite pipe 3 to the layer
2, which in turn emits the heat to the ambient air which surrounds
it for heating the room, in particular by radiation.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The heat-conducting plate 1 has a multi-layer composite
pipe 3, which is formed by five layers. The multi-layer composite
pipe 3 has an inner plastic layer 5, an adhesion-promoting layer 6,
a metal layer 7, a second adhesion-promoting layer 8 and a second,
outer plastic layer 9. The multi-layer composite pipe 3 is arranged
within the layer 2 in such a manner that a pipe outer side 10 of
the multi-layer composite pipe 3 terminates flush with the surface
4 of the layer 2.
[0034] The inner plastic layer 5 and also the second, outer plastic
layer 9 can consist, for example, of crosslinked polyethylene
(PE-X) or of a polyethylene material for an increased temperature
resistance (PE-RT). The metal layer 7 can be produced from an
aluminum material or an aluminum alloy.
[0035] Compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the
multi-layer composite pipe 3 has a higher stability or rigidity
combined with a low dead weight.
[0036] The arrangement of the multi-layer composite pipe 3 flush
with the surface 4 ensures a good transfer of heat between the
layer 2 and the multi-layer composite pipe 3. This is primarily
because the heat conduction within the layer 2 is better parallel
to the surface 4 than perpendicular to the surface 4 of the layer 2
on account of the fact that the layer 2 is produced under
directional pressure.
[0037] In an embodiment of the heat-conducting plate 1 which is not
shown, at least one outer side of the layer 2 may be perforated or
have textures. It is thereby possible for acoustic properties of
the heat-conducting plate 1 to be improved. By way of example,
depressions can be made on such an outer side of the
heat-conducting plate 1.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate 1 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Here, the heat-conducting plate 1 is configured in a manner
corresponding substantially to the second exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 2. In contrast to the configuration shown in FIG. 2,
however, the multi-layer composite pipe 3 is arranged within the
layer 2 in such a manner that it is spaced apart from a surface 4
and a bottom side 11 of the layer 2. In addition, the
heat-conducting plate 1 has a layer of mineral wool 12 on the
surface 4 of the layer 2. Moreover, holes 21, in particular bores,
are provided in the layer 2. It is thereby possible in conjunction
with the mineral wool 12 to achieve a sound absorption effect, for
example. By way of example, the layer of mineral wool 12 can also
be arranged on another outer side or a plurality of outer sides of
the layer 2.
[0039] Alternatively, however, it is also possible for other
layers, for example plastic layers or metal layers, to be attached
to one or more outer sides of the layer 2, in order for example to
protect the heat-conducting plate 1 against mechanical or other
environmental influences.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a heat-conducting
plate 1 according to the invention with a multi-layer composite
pipe 3 embedded therein. The heat-conducting plate 1 has a first
connection 13 and a second connection 14. The connection 13 and the
connection 14 are connected via a multi-layer composite pipe 3 as
per a configuration on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 3. Here, the
multi-layer composite pipe 3 is arranged within the layer 2 in a
meandering manner. Moreover, the heat-conducting plate 1 has two
holding apparatuses 15 for attaching the heat-conducting plate 1 to
wall or ceiling surfaces. In addition, the multi-layer composite
pipe 3 has a plurality of bend regions 16.
[0041] By way of example, the holding apparatuses 15 can have
nails, brackets, hooks or anchors, in order to attach the
heat-conducting plate 1 to a ceiling surface of a room.
[0042] By way of example, essentially no restoring forces arise in
the bend regions 16 during the production of the heat-conducting
plate 1 by virtue of the use of the multi-layer composite pipe 3,
since the multi-layer composite pipe 3 can be plastically shaped
beforehand by the metal layer 7.
[0043] The heat-conducting plate 1 is connected, for example, to a
heating system, with a fluid, for example water, entering into the
multi-layer composite pipe 3 via the connection 13. In accordance
with the arrangement of the multi-layer composite pipe 3, the fluid
is distributed over the surface area of the layer 2. The fluid
flows away again via the connection 14.
[0044] A heat-conducting plate 1 of this type is suitable in
particular for use in buildings for cooling or heating a room.
Heat-conducting plates of this type are preferably fastened to
ceilings of a room. It proves to be particularly advantageous that
the heat-conducting plate 1 has a considerably lower dead weight
compared to heat-conducting plates having copper pipes on account
of the low weight of the multi-layer composite pipe 3. It is
thereby possible for heat-conducting plates of this type to also be
attached to ceilings of buildings with a smaller load-bearing
capacity, for example old buildings. Moreover, it is possible to
produce comparatively thin heat-conducting plates, because the
multi-layer composite pipe 3 contributes to the stability of the
layer 2 of expanded graphite above all on account of the metal
layer 7.
[0045] The connections 13 and 14 of the heat-conducting plate 1
which are shown in FIG. 4 can be arranged in a different manner on
the layer 2, for example lying opposite one another. In addition,
the multi-layer composite pipe 3 can also run differently within
the layer 2, for example in a helical manner. Moreover, it is
conceivable for a plurality of multi-layer composite pipes 3 to be
arranged within a layer 2, these being connected to a heating
system, for example, via the connections 13 and 14 and/or further
connections.
[0046] What is shown in a fifth exemplary embodiment of the
invention as per FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section of a
heat-conducting plate 1 in the event that a multi-layer composite
pipe 3 is pressed in. The layer 2 which has already formed under
the action of pressure has a recess 17, this having been made in a
post-machining step, for example. The recess 17 is matched to an
external diameter and the arrangement or shape of the multi-layer
composite pipe 3 in such a manner that the multi-layer composite
pipe 3 can be pressed, pushed or placed into the recess 17.
[0047] By way of example, the recess 17 can be configured in such a
manner that a multi-layer composite pipe 3 arranged in a meandering
manner as per the configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be introduced
into the layer 2.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross section of a heat-conducting
plate 1 to be pressed according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of
the invention. In addition to the layer 2, the heat-conducting
plate 1 has a second layer 18 of expanded graphite which has
already formed under the action of pressure. The multi-layer
composite pipe 3 is placed between the two layers 2 and 18. The
heat-conducting plate 1 is produced by pressing the two layers 2
and 18, for example under the action of pressure as per the arrow
directions 19 and 20. A force-fitting and/or form-fitting
connection is established between the two layers 2 and 18 and also
the multi-layer composite pipe 3.
[0049] The features of a heat-conducting plate which have been
presented in the exemplary embodiments described can be combined
with one another in various ways in order to realize the
respectively mentioned advantages and/or functions.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0050] 1 Heat-conducting plate [0051] 2 Layer [0052] 3 Multi-layer
composite pipe [0053] 4 Surface [0054] 5 Plastic layer [0055] 6
Adhesion-promoting layer [0056] 7 Metal layer [0057] 8
Adhesion-promoting layer [0058] 9 Plastic layer [0059] 10 Pipe
outer side [0060] 11 Bottom side [0061] 12 Mineral wool [0062] 13
Connection [0063] 14 Connection [0064] 15 Holding apparatus [0065]
16 Bend region [0066] 17 Recess [0067] 18 Layer [0068] 19 Arrow
direction [0069] 20 Arrow direction [0070] 21 Hole
* * * * *