EXCHANGE SYSTEM

The subject of invention is a modular heat exchange device a type heat exchanger in which a phase change of working fluid takes place. The present invention also relates to a modular heat exchange system.

There are known heat exchange devices of the above type, which are described for example in British patent application GB 2099980, and Polish patent application P-388724.

The Exchanger described in the document GB2099980 relates to a panel containing a working fluid inside. In the lower part of the panel extends pipe in which the second fluid flows - a heating fluid, which pipe is immersed in the working fluid. The working fluid, when heated sufficiently by the pipe in the bottom of panel begins to evaporate, and the vapor gradually filling the panel transmit through the wall heat to the surroundings, cooled, and condensed then flow down to the bottom of the panel, where it is heated again and the process repeated. The exchanger according to GB2099980 mounted in an inverted orientation, i.e. with the pipe located in the upper part of the panel, can also be used as a solar panel. In this case, the panel is exposed to sunlight and the working fluid is heated by the sun and evaporates, moves up and releasing heat to the second fluid which flows through the pipe located there.

One disadvantage of this heat exchanger is that once you have installed e.g. in the construction of the object cannot be changed from their use, i.e. it is either a heater which reveals heat into the environment, or a heat-absorbing panel from the surroundings. The another disadvantage of the heat exchanger described in GB2099980 is that when acting as a heater, in the final stage of the evaporation of the working fluid situated in the bottom part of the exchanger, the pipe gradually emerges above the level of the liquefied working fluid (which passes into the gaseous state), so that it loses direct contact. This reduces its efficiency, and there in the lower part of the unit is dead zone below the lower level of the pipe and the liquefied working fluid below cannot participate in the heat exchange. Moreover, the heat exchanger tends to making noise, because on the uncovered surface of the pipe, the liquefied working fluid creates bubbles which rapidly evaporate at the first contact with the heated pipe.

While in patent application P-388724 describes a heating panel, where at the bottom passes the pipe to which is connected the outer mantle and coaxially embedded heat pipes, separate from each other while in the internal space of the outer mantle and the heat pipes circulates working fluid which undergoes a phase changes.

This exchanger could also be used for space cooling, if installed "upside down", i.e. with the collector at the top and the heat pipes facing downwardly. This heat exchanger is also not universal, i.e. when installed in one configuration can be operated in one mode only, heating or cooling, depending on the configuration. Known heat exchangers, which are not universal in the sense explained above, in addition to the imperfections, they are relatively inefficient.

The aim of the invention is a device for a heat exchange, which could be alternatively used - depending on the needs for heating or cooling.

The aim of the invention is to create a free capacity to perform modular heat exchange system that contains the modular apparatus of the invention mounted in the building in such a way that it would act as heater or cooler depending on the needs, while providing a mutually heat energy used for adequate operation of particular modules.

The aim is also to develop a modular device for a heat exchange and modular heat exchange system with improved over the prior technique performance. The invention affords the ability to perform modular systems with a high efficient heat transfer made of the modules in the form of repetitive devices according to the invention.

The modular heat exchanger in the four variants is described by claims 1-30, while the modular heat exchange system according to the invention as defined by a claim 31.

The channels adapted to flow in an external working medium (heat or cold carrying fluid), if present within the chamber of the collector module, preferably made of a material selected from the group consisting of: for example, copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, composite materials with good thermal conductivity. Moreover, all the channels adapted for the passage of an external active agent which can be provided with an integral or mounted to the ends of their respective connectors for connection to the installation, such as quick coupling, which means that individual modular units according to the invention may be combined and integrated in the network for heating and/or cooling buildings, equipment, vehicles or alternatively to draw heat from external active element(s). The active elements may have simple or developed external and/or internal surface. External surface of individual active elements of the devices can connect to each other via the intermediate elements in order to enhance energy transfer.

According to the invention the modular heat exchange device can appear as the following variations, whose basic features are as follows: a: First variation: the device has a collector module(s) made of a material with good thermal conductivity, e.g., with a full cross-section, which contains the internal chamber(s) (at least one), and the active module(s) are connected to the collector module, and each inner chamber of the collector module may be, depending on the needs and the user's selection, heated or cooled by a heat exchange through the collector, through the one of two separate systems - a heat supply system or a heat receiving system. Both systems are located inside the collector module, but outside the chambers of collector module. In this case, in a single device the active elements work as heaters may be located above the collector and active cooling elements may be located below the collector. The active elements may also be oriented horizontally, due to the working fluid located there, which after condensation, due to a heat exchange with the cooled collector, returns to the internal chamber of the active element. Furthermore, if in the inner chamber of the active cooling module are sufficiently small orifices, the working fluid returns more efficiently due to the capillary effect. Also, the device may be so arranged that the collector module is oriented vertically or slightly tilted from the vertical, and the active modules are arranged horizontally and/or slightly tilted from the horizontal. b: Second variation: the device has a collector module(s) made of a material with good thermal conductivity, which contains the internal chamber(s) (at least one), and the active module(s) are connected to the collector module, and each inner chamber of the collector module may be, depending on the needs and the user's selection, heated or cooled by a heat exchange with the working medium flowing through only one channel located inside the collector module and outside the inner chambers of the collector. In this case, in a single device the active elements work as heaters may be located above the collector and active cooling elements may be located below the collector. The active elements may also be oriented horizontally, due to the working fluid located there, which after condensation, due to a heat exchange with the cooled collector, returns to the internal chamber of the active element. Furthermore, if in the inner chamber of the active cooling module are sufficiently small orifices, the working fluid returns more efficiently due to the capillary effect. Also, the device may be so arranged that the collector module is oriented vertically or slightly tilted from the vertical, and the active modules are arranged horizontally and/or slightly tilted from the horizontal. c: Third variation: the device has a collector module(s) which contains the internal chamber(s) (at least one), and the active module(s) are connected to the collector module, and each inner chamber of the collector module may be, depending on the needs and the user's selection, heated or cooled by external working medium flowing through at least one common channel, made of a material with good thermal conductivity, which is located inside the collector module and inside of the chamber by a heat exchange between the external working medium flowing through the channel and the internal working fluid located in the chamber of the collector. Importantly, the channel(s) has a generally oblong cross-section, so that its performance is significantly greater than in the heat exchanger according to the patent GB2099980, since flattening of the cross section of the channel causes the transfer or absorption of heat to/from an external working medium occurs incomparably faster when the channel has narrow and elongated cross -section than with round section channel. Moreover, the flattened channels may have appropriate recesses in order to cause flow disturbances of the external working medium. Consequently, the channel does not have a fixed cross section. The option of heating or cooling depends on the temperature of the external working medium which flows through the channel. Also in this case, in a single device the active elements work as heaters may be located above the collector and active cooling elements may be located below the collector. The active elements may also be oriented horizontally, due to the working fluid located there, which after condensation, due to a heat exchange with the cooled collector, returns to the internal chamber of the active element. Furthermore, if in the inner chamber of the active cooling module are sufficiently small orifices, the working fluid returns more efficiently due to the capillary effect. d: Fourth variation: the device has a collector module(s) which contains the internal chamber(s) (at least one), and the active module(s) are connected to the collector module, and each inner chamber of the collector module may be, depending on the needs and the user's selection, heated or cooled by external working medium flowing through at least one common channel, made of a material with good thermal conductivity, which is located inside the collector module and inside of the chamber by heat exchange between the external working medium flowing through the channel and the internal working fluid located in the chamber of the collector. Importantly, the channel(s) are joined with the chamber of the collector module in the area located opposite to the connection with the internal chamber of the active element, thus their (its) performance in the heating mode are significantly larger than in the heat exchanger according to the patent GB2099980. The reason for this increase in performance is that the outer surface of the channel is in contact with the liquefied internal working fluid at all times when any portion of this working fluid is still liquefied. Heat transfer through the external working medium takes place more efficiently because there is no situation in which the liquefied internal working fluid does not come in contact with the channel. The option of heating or cooling depends on the temperature of the external working medium which flows through the channel. Also in this case, in a single device the active elements work as heaters may be located above the collector and active cooling elements may be located below the collector. The active elements may also be oriented horizontally, due to the working fluid located there, which after condensation, due to a heat exchange with the cooled collector, returns to the internal chamber of the active element. Furthermore, if in the inner chamber of the active cooling module are sufficiently small orifices, the working fluid returns more efficiently due to the capillary effect.

By using the heat exchange devices for the construction of a modular heat exchange system according to the invention which comprises at least two modular heat exchange device according to the invention allows the creation of universal, high performance, and in some cases, to a large extent self-sufficient heating/cooling buildings.

So far, attempts to perform so-called zero-energy and plus-energy houses focusing mainly on increasing the insulation of external walls (passive). This results in the summer, as well as in periods of transition, large and adverse excess of heat.

In the proposed solution, using the present invention can create conditions in which all the building partitions are thermally active, and depending on the conditions outside a building and the needs of the individual rooms may takes, gives or store heat or cold using only ambient energy (renewable energy) and at the same time creates comfort conditions in rooms. Using the photovoltaic panels with cooling (with removal of excess heat), for example using the embodiment shown in figure 12 can be achieved increase in the efficiency of solar energy conversion to electricity and gain an additional heat for the purpose of household. Thermal interaction with the environment and the use of natural heat or an environment cold, depending on the current needs, does not depend on thermal insulation of the object partitions.

The modular device according to all embodiments of the invention, in addition to its versatility, is characterized by a surprisingly increased efficiency as compared to similar known devices. This is achieved by the fact that the systems for supplying and receiving the heat, in particular tubing, in which the external working medium flows, are located substantially entirely inside the collector module or inside the internal chamber(s) and thus transfer of energy occurs through their entire outside surface.

The present invention in embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a device according to the first variation of the invention; Figures 2 and 2 A schematically show a second embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention in two variants; Figure 3 schematically shows another variant of embodiment of the device of the example shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a further variant of embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention; Figure 5 shows yet another variant of embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention; Figure 6 schematically shows a first embodiment of a device according to a second variation of the invention; Figures 7 and 8 show further possible configurations of the device according to the second variation of the invention; Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a device according to a second variation of the invention; Figure 10 shows a first embodiment of a device according to a third variation of the invention; Figure 11 shows a second embodiment of a device according to a third variation of the invention; Figure 12 shows a third embodiment of a device according to a third variation of the invention; Figure 13 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of the collector module according to a fourth variation of the invention; Figure 14 is a cross view of a second embodiment of the collector module according to a fourth variation of the invention; Figures 15a- 15c shows various examples of possible variants of constructing the outer wall of the active module; Figure 16 shows an example of an active module, the inner wall of the chamber is grooved; Figure 17 shows an example of a modular heat exchange device according to a second variation of the invention, wherein the active module is interlaced with a metal mesh; Figure 18 shows various examples of active modules, including those with cross -sections shown in Figures 15a- 15, 16; Figure 19 schematically shows an exemplary system according to the invention in an object, which is a residential building; Figure 20 schematically illustrates another exemplary system according to the invention in an object, which is a vehicle, for example, tram, railway car, bus; Figure 21 schematically shows yet another exemplary system according to the invention in object, which is a vessel; Figures 22a-22g show examples of modular heat exchange devices according to the first variation of the invention, in which the collector modules are arranged vertically or slightly inclined from the vertical, and the active modules are either horizontally or slightly inclined upwards and/or downwards from the horizontal; Figure 23 shows another example of the collector module of the modular heat exchange device for use in accordance with Figure 22b in order to achieve higher efficiency of the device.

Figures 1-5 show different embodiments of the device according to the first variation of the invention. According to this first variation of the invention, the device has a collector modules, the shape of which is generally elongate in these examples, is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys or composite materials. Furthermore, the device comprises an active element which has an outer wall to allow a heat exchange between the active module and its environment, it is also preferably is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: for example, copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, composite materials having good thermal conductivity. The device has two separate heat supply/receiving systems disposed inside the collector module, but outside the internal chamber of the collector module. Furthermore, in the heating mode, by using of the collector module, which mediates the transfer of heat from the heat delivery system to the chambers of active modules, the intensity of a heat exchange is not dependent on the level of condensate in the chambers of active modules.

An example of the device shown in Figure 1 includes one collector module (1), one active module (15) and one chamber of the collector module (3). Inside of the collector module (1) but outside the chamber (3) is made one, the first heat delivery system, a channel (4). This channel is connected to an external installation, which supplies the external working medium. Furthermore, inside of the collector module (1), but also outside the chamber (3) is made of one second heat receiving system in the form of a channel (5) connected to an external installation, which in a second operating mode provides to the channel the working medium with a different temperature. The collector module (1) has a solid cross-section, its shape may be, for example, generally elongate and there are a chamber (3) and channels (4) (5) inside. The active element (15) has an outer wall (17). The active element (15) comprises an inside chamber (16) which connect with a chamber of the collector module (3) to form a common, closed space. The active element (15) has in this example the shape of the panel, in which the chamber (16) e.g. in the shape of a tube of appropriate diameter, which can be selected without any difficulty by the expert. The device, when installed for example on or in the horizontal partition of building can act as a heater or as a cooler room, depending on whether the external working medium will be supplied from the external installation to the outer channel (4), e.g. water at a temperature above ambient temperature of the active module (15) (i.e., room temperature) or whether an external working medium will be supplied to a channel (5), e.g. water at a temperature below ambient temperature of the active module (15) (i.e., room temperature). If there is a need to heat a room, the outer working medium having e.g. a temperature of 40°C is supplied to the channel (4), it results that the internal working fluid from the group of compounds such as ketones, freon, alcohols, ammonia, C0 ₂ , etc. starts to become gaseous and fills the chamber (16) of the active element (15), then cooled and condensed by contact with the colder walls of the active element, giving the heat to the active element, and further to the surroundings, then flows back in the liquid state into the interior chamber (3) of the collector module, where is heated again and the process repeats. If, however, there is a need to cool a room, the channel (5) is supplied with the outer working medium having e.g. a temperature of 40°C, which causes the internal working fluid contained in a gaseous state in the chamber (3) due to the lower temperature liquefies and flows into the chamber (16) of the active element (15) then is heated and evaporates as a result of contact with the hotter wall of the active element that transfers heat to the active element of a higher ambient temperature (room), and is followed back to a gaseous state, goes to an internal chamber (3) of the collector module, where it is cooled again and the process repeats. Capillary effect can be enhanced by using a grooved inner chamber (16) as shown in Figure 16. The device according to this embodiment of the invention can be used for example, over a working station and to use as a heater or as a cooler according to need, using the appropriate temperature of working mediums flowing in the channels (4 and 5). The internal working fluid can be, for example compounds from the group of ketones, freons, alcohols, ammonia, C0 ₂ , etc., and an external working medium can be for example water or glycol.

Figure 2 shows schematically a second embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention. In this example, a single collector module (1) comprises two internal chambers (3, 3') and two channels (4, 5) connected to an external installation, through which flows external active agents. The collector module is further connected to two active modules (15, 15'), each of which comprises one chamber, respectively (16, 16'). The active module (15) extending upwardly from the collector module (1) and the chamber (3), the chamber (16) of active module is connected to the chamber (3) of the collector, absorbs heat from the external active agent flowing in the channel (4), e.g., at a temperature of 30- 40°C, i.e. above ambient temperature of the active module (15). In turn, the active module (15') extending downwardly from the collector module (1) and the chamber (3'), the chamber (16') of active module is connected to the chamber (3'), transfers the heat to the external active agent flowing in the channel (5), e.g., at a temperature of 6-12°C, i.e. below the ambient temperature of the active module (15'). Of course, both the collector (1) and the active elements (15, 15') with the chambers (16, 16'), and the respective internal chambers (3, 3'), can be more. This type of embodiment of the invention may for example be installed in a vertical wall of the room to heat or cool the room depending on the needs and the temperature of an active agent flowing in the channels (4, 5).

Figure 2A shows another embodiment comprising a set of two devices according to the example of Figure 2, the first is located on the outer side and the second on the inner side of the building partition. The device from the inside has an additional channel (4') to connect to a channel (4) of the outside device via a connecting channel (20), wherein the external working medium flows (glycol, water, etc.)- This solution enables cooperation of the lower active module (15") from the inside with the upper active module (15) from the outside to natural cooling of the buildings during the night, as described by Figure 9. The device operates on the inner side as described Figure 2 The lower active module (15') from the outside allows in the summer cool the outer surface of the outer walls while pre-heating for example hot water or providing heat to the storage tank. In tropical climates modular device according to this embodiment of the invention operates all year round, in winter in temperate climate countries the active module (15') is not working. The device made according to Fig.2A can also be used in the building partitions inclined to the horizontal.

Figure 3 shows another variant of the embodiment of Figure 2, wherein the first active module (15) extends obliquely upwards from the collector module (1) and the chamber (3), and the second active module (15') extends obliquely downwards from the collector module (1) and the chamber (3'). The device according to this embodiment can be used on the roof for example to function as follows: in hot climates, on the day, the active module (15') absorbs heat from the environment. Consequently, in the chamber (16') the internal working fluid is evaporated. Vapors of internal working fluid migrate from the chamber (16') of the active module into the chamber (3') the collector module. Through the channel (5) flows external working medium at a temperature lower than ambient temperature, e.g. water having a temperature of 10-15°C, which receives heat from the chamber (3') of the collector and causes condensation of the internal working fluid and its return to the chamber (16') of the module active, where an internal working fluid is evaporated again, causing cooling of the environment of the active module (15'). The heated water is discharged to the outdoor installation and can be used on a regular basis or accumulated. In turn, at night, active module (15) acts as a cooler. In the channel (4) flows the heated water from the interior of the room, e.g., at a temperature of 22 °C, resulting in evaporation of internal working fluid in the chamber (3) of collector, followed by a vapors of the internal working fluid migrate to the chamber (16) of the active module. Outside the active element (15) the temperature is lower, such as 16°C, which causes the internal factor condenses and releasing heat to the environment. Condensed the internal working fluid flows into the chamber (3) of the collector, wherein the water is heated again from the channel (4) and repeats the process by which heat from the interior of the room is discharged to the outside.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figure 2, except that the upper active module is oriented horizontally while the internal chambers (3, 3') of the collector are arranged alternately with the channels (4, 5) of the collector. This variant can be mounted in such a way that the active module (15) is located in the ceiling of the room, while the active module (15') is located in the wall of the room. If it is necessary to heat the room, through the channel 4 has to flow an external working medium with a temperature higher than the ambient temperature, such as 30-40°C - the active module (15) acts as a heater. If, however, space cooling is needed, by the channel (5) of the collector has to flows an external working medium with a temperature lower than ambient temperature, e.g., 6-12°C - the both active modules (15, 15') act as a cooler, wherein the active module (15) operates more efficiently using the capillary effect, therefore, the chamber (16) can have an inner wall surface preferably a grooved. The diameter of the tube depends on the type of the internal working fluid, and the system works more effectively if use the capillary effect when the inner wall are grooved. Yet another embodiment of the device according to the first variation of the invention is shown in Figure 5 In this example, the device has one collector module (1), the three active modules (15, 15', 15'), of which two vertical (15 - upward from the collector module (1) and 15' - downward from the collector module) and a one horizontal (15'). When distribution of channels (4, 5) of the collector and chambers (3, 3', 3") are alternating, the horizontal active module (15"), as in Figure 4, can act as a heater or cooler, the upper vertical active module (15) acts as a heater, and the lower vertical active module (15') acts as a cooler. Appropriate modes of operation depend on the room temperature and the temperature of working medium currently flowing in the channels (4, 5). By doing alternating connection of active elements (15, 15') with the lower and the upper level, we will obtain in the room, depending on the operating mode, heating or cooling in the walls and ceiling.

Optionally, in all the embodiments described above the device according to the first variation of the invention, as the first system to supply heat may be used an electrical installation and a heating wire located in the channel (4) of the collector or directly in the collector (1).

Figures 6 - 9 show embodiments of the device according to the second variation of the invention. A device according to this second variation of the invention differs from the device according to the first variation essentially in that the inside the collector element, also made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys or composite materials, but outside the inner chamber of the collector element is located only one channel acting as an alternative heat delivery system or as a heat receiving system. The collector and the active modules and the outer wall of the active modules are made of materials as described with respect to the first variation. The invention in this variation is distinguished by high efficiency as compared to similar known devices due to the fact that the heat pipeline alternatively acting as a heat delivery system or as a heat receiving system works through all of their surface, so-called the surface area, as it is located in the collector through which heat is supplied to or received from the internal working fluid located in the interior chamber of the collector. Furthermore, through the use of the collector, the previously mentioned surface area does not depend on the level of condensate inside the internal chamber of the collector.

Figure 6 shows the first example of the device according to the second variation of the invention. The device of this example has one horizontal collector module (1), one chamber of the collector module (3) and two pairs of horizontal active modules (15), each of which has one inner chamber (16), extending in opposite directions from the collector module (1). In this embodiment, the device can act as a heater or cooler of floor or ceiling such as premises or vehicle interiors. Heating or cooling mode depends on what the ambient temperature is around the active modules (15) and what is the temperature of the external working medium flowing in the channel (4). The effective operation of this device is possible at the high performance heat exchange between the internal and external working medium, obtained by placing the channel (4) inside the collector (1) with good thermal conductivity. The chamber (16) of the active modules is preferably in the form of pipes with smooth or grooved surfaces of the walls with the respective diameters, depending on the type of the internal working fluid. For expert it is clear which diameters should be chosen according to the selected of the working fluid.

Figures 7 and 8 show another possible configuration of the device according to the second variation of the invention. In the configuration of Figure 7 the device has one horizontal collector module (1) and a horizontal active module (15) including a series of preferably in the form of thin tubes as described above. Such a device can be used also in heating or cooling mode on the above described principle and especially suited as a local heater or cooler placed above a workstation.

In the configuration of Figure 8 the device has one horizontal collector module (1), and a horizontal active modules (15) including a series of preferably in the form of thin tubes, as in the example of Figure 6. Such a device can also operate in either heating or cooling as the above-described principle.

Figure 9 shows example of the device according to the second variation of the invention. In this example, the device comprises two modules collector (1 , ), each of which comprises a channel (4, 4') and an inner chamber (3, 3') of the collector module and is connected to the respective active module (15, 15'). Furthermore, the collector modules (1, Γ) are connected to each other via a connecting circuit (20) in which flows an external working medium, such as water. The first collector module (1) is located outside the object, for example a residential building, and the external active module (15) is directed vertically upward from the collector module (1). In turn, the second collector module (Γ) is inside the object, and also its internal active module (15') is directed vertically downwards from the collector module (Γ). The device operates as follows: in the connecting circuit (20) flows the external working medium, i.e., water for example at a temperature of 17°C is pumped. At night: outside the object temperature is lower than 17°C, e.g. 12°C, while the indoor temperature is higher than 17°C, e.g. 25°C. The water flowing in the channel (4') of the interior collector module (Γ) as cooler than a ambient temperature of its active module (15') cools the internal working fluid vapor in the chamber (3') of the active module (15') and it causes condensation, the liquefied internal working medium travels from the chamber (3') of the collector to the chamber (16') of the active element, which evaporated by taking heat from the environment, resulting in cooling of the interior and heating of the water in the channel (4') of the collector. The water flowing into the external collector (1) becomes its external working medium and heats the internal working fluid in the chamber (3) of the external collector, wherein the internal working fluid evaporates and goes to the chamber (16) of the active element (15), then while condensing it pass heat into the environment. The condensed working fluid returns to the internal chamber (3) of the collector (1). The device thus acts as a natural cooling of the rooms at night. In summer, during the day the temperature outside is higher than inside the object but the module does not work even if in the channel (4) of the external collector flows working medium. In winter, working medium does not flow - and there is no heat transfer.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate embodiments of the third variation of the invention. In this variation of the invention channels contained in a longitudinal collector module represents heat delivery/receiving system are arranged inside a chamber of the collector module and are made of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys or composite materials.

Figure 10 shows an exemplary device having a one horizontal collector module (1) comprising one inner chamber of the collector module (3), which is connected to two active modules (15) having a developed outer wall (17) and one inner chamber of the active module (16). Inside the chamber of the collector module (3) are three channels (4B) connected to an external installation, adapted to flow of the external working medium with a temperature different from ambient temperature of active modules (15). Channels (4B) have longitudinal cross- sections, with a shape similar to the flattened circle. Cross-sectional shapes of channels (4B) may also be ovoid or elliptical. The collector module (1) is aligned horizontally and positioned above the downwardly extending active modules (15), which can be, for example oblique (in the installation on the roof, or vertical). This example device may act as a solar collector where the active module is constructed in a flat shape, e.g., as shown in Figure 11.

In the illustrated example in Figure 11 , the device acts as a solar collector, where the active element (15) converts the solar radiation into heat or extracts heat from the outside environment such as high temperature roof, heating the internal working fluid in the chambers (16) which passes into the gaseous state. If in channels (4B) flow external working medium at a temperature lower than ambient temperature, due to a heat exchange between the working mediums through the internal chamber (3) of the collector module, the internal working fluid is condensed and heating the working medium in the outer channel (4B). Thermal energy obtained in this way by an external working medium can be consumed on a regular basis or accumulated. A particular feature of the device according to this variation of the invention is the surprisingly high thermal efficiency achieved through the elongated cross sections of channels (4B). It turned out that use of such cross-sectional shape that makes the outer working medium is heated (or cools) the surprisingly fast compared with similar devices of the prior art. Moreover, in the flattened channels may include appropriate recesses for the flow disturbances of the external working medium. Consequently, the channel does not have a fixed cross section.

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the third variation of the invention, analogous to the example of Figure 10, but having two horizontal collector modules - an upper (1) and a lower (Γ). Such a device is versatile and can act as both a heat delivery system heat to center or object and heat receiving system from the center or object, or as a charging or discharge system, depending on the ambient temperature and the temperature of the external working medium currently flowing in the upper or lower channels (4B).

Figures 13 and 14 show embodiments of the device according to the fourth variation of the invention. This variation differs from the third variation of the invention shown in Figures 10 and 11, the arrangement of channels representing heat delivery or receive system are also made of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys or composite materials and are also located inside the collector module. However, in this fourth variation of the invention, the channels constituting the heat delivery/ receiving system are joined with an inner chamber of the collector module.

Figure 13 shows an exemplary cross-section the internal chamber of the collector module (3), in which there are three channels (4C) with a longitudinal, rounded cross-section.

Figure 14 shows a chamber (3) of a collector, in which there is one channel (4C) of an egg-shaped cross-section, which is connected to the inner wall of the chamber (3) in its area located opposite to the connection to the chamber (16) of the active module (15).

Figures 15a-15c and Figure 16 show various examples of possible design solutions of an outer wall (17) of the active modules (15). Thus, in Figure 15a, the outer wall (17) additionally contains wings (18) which extend on both sides of the chamber (16), not radially, Figure 15a - the outer wall (17) contains two parallel wings (18) on both sides of the chamber (16), Figure 15c - the outer wall (17) contains wings which surround a chamber (16) forming a closed space in which as shown may be located a thermal accumulation material. The device of the invention with such developed wall of the active modules can act as a thermal buffer.

Figure 16 shows the active module (15), whose inner wall is grooved to enhance the capillary effect.

Figure 17 shows a development of an outer wall of the active element by adding a mesh made of a material with good thermal conductivity, which is in contact with the active modules.

It should be noted that all the examples of solutions of both the outer wall (17) shown in Figures 15a- 15c and 16, and grooves shown in Figure 17 can be applied to all the above described variation and embodiments without limitation.

Figure 18 shows several examples of different preferred cross -sections of the active module.

Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a modular heat exchange system according to the invention in object, which is a residential building. The system shown in figure comprises components A, B, C, D, E, F. These elements may for example be:

A - a device for heat recovery from ventilation air, for example, exemplary modular heat exchange device according to the invention as shown in Figure 11 ;

B - a device for recovery of heat or cold from the environment of the inclined building partitions, for example, an exemplary modular heat exchange device according to the invention shown in Figures 3, 3 A, 7, 11, 17; C - a device for supplying heat or cold to the building through the horizontal building partitions above the zone of residence, for example, an exemplary modular heat exchange device according to the invention shown in Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17;

D - a device for supplying heat or cold to the building through the vertical building partitions, such as exemplary modular heat exchange device according to the invention shown in Figure 2 A, 9;

E - a device for storing heat or cold as well as a heat or cold receiving and heat or cold supplying to the object, for example, exemplary modular heat exchange device according to the invention shown in Figures 10, 11, 12.

The modular heat exchange system also includes appropriate piping to connect the individual modular heat exchange devices with hydraulic valves and instrumentation, such as a pump, in order to ensure the desired circulation of the external working medium. Moreover, the system can include a series of valves with a manual and automatic control, to control a flow of the external working medium in and between the various modular heat exchange devices in the system. In the case where the heat source in the collector module is for example an electric heating cable, the system includes also equipment for power supply and control electrical components of the modular heat exchange devices. The system also includes a control unit for monitoring and controlling the modular heat exchange system. The skilled person will be aware of what the equipment is necessary to implement the modular heat exchange system and the desired parameters. It will not be elaborated upon here. Figure 20 shows an embodiment of the modular heat exchange system according to the invention in object, which is a motor vehicle, for example a car, bus, railway wagon.

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of the modular heat exchange system according to the invention in object, which is a vessel, e.g. a boat. In this case can take place of a transfer of cold from the sea through an active hull and cooling walls and/or ceilings of boat cabins. In motor vehicles and watercrafts are used modular heat exchange device similarly as described for the modular heat exchange system in a residential building.

Figures 22a-22g show examples of the modular heat exchange devices, in which collector modules are arranged vertically or slightly inclined from vertical and active modules are arranged horizontally or with a slight inclination from the horizontal. Such orientation of the modules allow for more flexibility in shaping the surface of heating or cooling using, for example different lengths of the horizontal active modules. In this case, where the active modules are arranged horizontal, can be fully utilize the surface of vertical partitions, such as between a house equipment items, furniture, etc. Furthermore, using the inclination of the active modules is achieved faster performance of modules with heating and cooling objects, particularly in start-ups or starting after a break in the action. The inclination of the collector modules and/or modules active is in the range of from about 0 to about 10%, and preferably is about 1 %. Figure 22A shows an example of the modular heat exchange device that can heat or cool. Figure 22B shows an example of a modular heat exchange device, which from the right side heats and from the left side cools. Figure 22C shows an example of a modular heat exchange devices that provide cooling. The device of Figure 22C, but rotated 180 degrees as shown in Figure 22D, performs the function of heating. Figure 22E shows another embodiment of a modular heat exchange devices, wherein the collector modules have only one channel for the external working medium, wherein modules are arranged vertically and connected to them, the active modules are arranged horizontally. The device with such a configuration can alternately have a function of heating or cooling. May also be used for modular heat exchange device of Figure 22E, with inclined from the vertical the collector modules and inclined from the level the active modules as shown in Figures 22F and 22G. These modules can perform respectively the function of heating or cooling. As shown in Figure 22A to 22G may be used a collector module comprising a plurality of channels for flow of the external working medium, such as that shown in Figure 23, in order to increase the heat exchange efficiency.

The lengths of the active elements are chosen by those skilled in known manner, depending on the size of the thermal or cooling load in the particular embodiment of the device or system according to the invention.