SYSTEM FOR HEATING OR COOLING

Subject matter of invention

The subject matter of the invention is a system of two external units: of a heat pump and of an air conditioning appliance, of closed type with auto-regulatory system for heating or cooling of dwellings, of sanitary water, which is closed - meaning that the same air, water and gas are circulating within it. The system can either heat or cool down that air, as appropriate, and by mixing of various flows it adapts (the air) to an evaporator or condenser resp., achieving as stable work conditions and lower consumption of electric energy during the cooling/heating. The system basic parts are modular, easy to dismantle and assemble, which is important for the cleaning, servicing and transportation of the system.

The technical problem

The technical problem addressed and resolved by the invention is how to maintain an optimal heat pump utilisation independently of external weather changes. That can be achieved by a closed auto-regulatory system for heating and cooling of dwelling facilities and of sanitary water. The efficiency of the closed system is the functioning and reliability of this system in quite extreme weather conditions - at low or at high temperatures, that is in places either in the north or in the south. The system is both economical and environmentally-friendly. Given that it is a closed system, it contributes to the aesthetics of buildings - it does not spoil the external appearance thereof like the present-day air conditioning appliances do, because it is installed in boiler rooms or similar premises. The next problem being resolved by this system is its modular structure: the basic components can be dismantled and re-assembled easily, which facilitates servicing and transportation.

The state of the art

At present, the market offers open-type heat pumps that take the heat from the ground, water, air up to -20 degrees. Also the system under this invention operates like a present-day heat pump, but the difference is that it is a closed-type system and uses the same air all the time. The invention under the patent US 4165036 uses the heat from various heat sources in a similar way to assure an optimal utilisation of the heat pump operation, however, it does not use the solar collector in the way as it is shown in the present description of invention, and thereby only partly assures an optimal operation of the heat pump. The same applies to the patent US 2013/0118193, which uses a 4-way valve to improve the utilisation of the heating or cooling heat-pump system, but it does not foresee the use of solar collectors.

The invention under the patent US 2013/0105107 uses in a similar way a closed system of air circulation to reduce the electricity consumption, however, it is primarily designed for cooling the premises that accommodate a great number of computer servers. It does not foresee heating and the use of the accumulator and a solar collector, which are presented in my invention.

The Patent US 4144999 foresees the use of solar collectors only for heating and cooling of water, and not in the way designed in my invention.

The Patent SI 9300414 describes the air-purification procedure and is linked to a heat pump, described in my patent. However, the heat pump (compressor) in my patent also comprises a fan in the dismantling cap, which allows for operation at a bigger temperature range. Also a different gas (R22) is foreseen in the pump under the patent SI 9300414.

The Patent WO 9504900 describes a system to purify smoke and polluted air and also uses a similar heat pump, with the differences indicated in the preceding paragraph. The mixing chamber is placed in the space where the evaporator is located, but the novelties in the system under this invention are that the mixing chamber is located outside, therefore a more efficient circulation is generated in the evaporator; in the dismantling cap there is a centrifugal or an axial fan, another gas is used and that enables to use the system in very low or high temperatures. The operation of the system hereunder is noiseless.

In the technical sphere into which this invention falls, the heating systems up to -20°C are known. If the temperature should fall even lower, such heat-pump systems require the use of electric heaters which greatly increase the consumption of electricity. In my invention, there is no need to switch on a heater even at very low temperatures and the consumption of electricity is minimal. For cooling, at high external temperatures (in the summer), the system is cooled by an

accumulator and the air flows mix in the mixing chamber and are cooled by the accumulator: in that way we feed to the evaporator an ideal temperature for cooling and its optimal operation, the consumption of electricity remains minimal. The evaporator is automatically cleaned by nozzles, to assure an optimal operation.

Thanks to being a closed system, the invention does not cause any disturbing noise when operating. As the system needs not be installed on the external wall (there is no external unit), it does not spoil the appearance of buildings and is also appropriate for use in old town cores.

Existing old air-conditioning appliances on the buildings could be replaced by this invention and improve the appearance of buildings and old town centres. Such a variant - without an external unit - is an excellent solution for buildings under cultural heritage protection . ^!;

Solution of the technical problem

The system solution as executed under this invention contains one or several solar collectors for concurrent heating of water and air, a heat accumulator (or several accumulators), a piping system feeding warm air from various heat sources (a solar collector, a bathroom, the ground under or around the house, the dwelling/apartment, washing machine and dishwasher, refrigerator), a heat exchanger into which the warm air is fed, which assures an optimal utilisation of the heat pump operation. A closed cylindrical evaporator has been designed, for which the air flows going through the mixing chamber (or several mixing chambers) and the solar collector (-s) create ideal conditions for the operation of evaporator, and thus of the entire system.

All the elements are designed modularly, which allows for assembly and disassembly, and facilitates the maintenance. The heat exchanger contains an embedded spiral fan for air throughput, and nozzles to disperse the water, and a wiper for automatic cleaning.

The invention will be shown on the figures presenting:

Fig. 1: Element C— a closed-type heat pump with a spiral fan that is embedded in the evaporator Fig. 2: Element C— a closed-type heat pump with a centrifugal fan that is embedded in the upper cap

Fig. 3: Element F— mixing chamber with sliding flaps in the profile

Fig. 4: Element G— solar collector, in which the air and water flows are heated

Fig. 5: Presentation of the entire system and function

Fig. 6: Fan with a free flow in the middle

Figure 5 shows the entire system comprising the element C, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which is a heat pump of a closed type; the external mixing chamber F (Fig.3) with sliding flaps, a tubular solar collector G (Fig.4), in which the air and water and the accumulator B (accumulating the heat) are heated.

When we need heating in the winter, the compressor 30 and the evaporator (condenser) 1 in the heat pump on Figure 1 are closed in the casing 31 ; during the operation combined with the solar^ collector G, we feed the air into the circulating system, whereby the air is circulating through the throughput casing 31, in which the compressor 30 is lying. The compressor 30 heats up and we take the heat from it in the casing 31 (for air input and output) from the circulating air flow. Warm air is then fed into the mixing chamber F and through it into the air circulation. Depending on the demand, the compressor 30 is being heated or cooled - as required by the thermostats. The compressor 30 can be easily changed when a new variant appears in the market, it can be adapted to the new trend. That allows you to currently upgrade the invention, considering the gas variants and improved functioning. All the connections that are coupled are designed in Y-shape, so as to reduce the turbulences and resistances.

The essential function of the element C is incorporated in the fact that the evaporator (condenser) 1 is constructed in a cylindrical shape, with a closed interior, while the lower cap 6 and the upper cap 13 are conical and can be disassembled. From the element C we move on to the external mixing chamber F, which has one central passage for the air and four lateral passages on which sliding flaps 19 are installed and open when required, depending on the temperature and on the demand by the evaporator (condenser) 1, which is installed in the element C. So, in the mixing chamber (element F), the fans mix the flows coming from the solar collector (element G) on the roof and from the dwelling through the ventilating system and from the pipes 12, which are laid along the vertical outlets, absorbing the heat. The air is conducted on the coils 12 into the accumulator B which is cooled or heated by the heat pump C, to supply ideal temperature into the evaporator (condenser) 1 , providing for the best possible utilisation. That can be achieved by thermostats and automation that are instrumental for the opening of flaps and valves in order to provide for perfect functioning of the element C. The roof solar collector G is designed as an 'interplay' for the water and air flows with the accumulator B, mutually complementing for the best possible system functioning of the element C.

The sensors, thermostats, commutating switches, electromagnetic valves and timers are operating by automation.

Inside its cylindrical body the element C accommodates the evaporator (condenser) 1 along its entire length - there must be from 5 to 10 cm of air between the evaporator (condenser) 1 and the external casing 2. Inside the external casing 2, which is inside coated by a Teflon layer (or ^· ·· ^■ .¾ ^. another appropriate material), there is a wiper 3 that will be sliding 360° around the internal side of the external casing 2.

Inside the cylindrical evaporator 1 are installed the nozzles for automatic cleaning 4, which are connected with the external electromagnetic valve 5, through which the water from water supply system is fed into this system when the sensor has detected that the evaporator 1 is soiled. The lower cap 6, the lower part of which ends in a knee-shaped opening 8, can be easily disassembled with the rings 7. The knee-shaped opening 8 continues into the angle piece 9 in the pipe 12 for discharging waste water, condensate. The angle piece 9 is coupled to the collector 10, or allows the flow through the valve 11 into sewage system. The knee-shaped opening 8 has got two functions: allowing for the free discharge of waste water and condensate in the lower part, and in the upper part for a free inflow of air through the dedicated air inlet pipe 12 through the bigger opening from the accumulator B. The knee-shaped opening 8 and the angle piece 9 must have the required inclination (minimal 2%) to allow the condensate or waste water to outflow into the collector 10. This collector is equipped with a floating switch that triggers the electromagnetic valve 11.

The upper cap 13 can be disassembled and is coupled with the ring 7. The spiral fan 41 in Fig. 1 is embedded in the cylindrical evaporator (condenser) 1. The fan pushes the air from the pipe 12 onwards into the system - the mixing chamber F. Also another variant of the fan 42 is proposed, as shown in Fig. 2, which is affixed to the cap 13; the fan is a centrifugal one with a continuously variable speed control. That allows for suction and air supply to the mixing chamber F. The appropriate fan (variant 41 or 42) is selected in accordance with the needs and economy. The fans (any variant) have several variable speed rates that are automatically controlled or steered according to the need for air flow in the element C.

Thin pipes 50 are connected to the evaporator 1, and the gas is circulating through the compressor 30, passing to the exchanger 15, in which gas or water are conveyed to the inlet 51, which allows for heating and cooling of the space/ building or of the sanitary water.

The advantages of element C are:

- Automatic cleaning of evaporator by nozzles 4, located in the centre of evaporator 1.

- Automatic cleaning of the interior rim by the wiper 3.

- Easy dismantling of the element C is possible.

- The unit is operating silently because it is closed and well insulated.

Possible use in very cold environment - even exceeding -70 °C.

- Low electricity consumption, due to the closed circuit that is complementing with other elements (F, B, G).

- Cooling or heating is possible, therefore it can also be used in hot parts of the world.

- No harming impacts on the environment because the same air is circulating in the system.

- In the group with the solar collector (element G), it does not affect the appearance of the buildings: it can be installed in the boiler room or other suitable facilities, and the existing cleaned chimneys can be used to enhance the natural draught and thereby improve the air circulation.

The mixing chamber F is coupled with the lower unit C and has got a central mixing chamber 16, with a central opening 17 and four lateral openings 18. Four flaps 19 are installed in the lateral openings: flaps are steered through a hydraulic system 20. The flaps 19 are in the groove 21 in which they slide. The seal 22 in groove 21 provides for a hermetically closed passage. The fan 23, which can also be of a different type, will be engaged if a better air circulation has to be created. Figure 3 presents a conventional axial fan 23; we propose also other solutions, Fig. 6 shows one of the optimal solutions. The fan can be for example designed so that only the blades 72 reach into the mixing chamber, and magnets 71 are affixed on the entire rim (circle); there is little room for rotation in between; the coil 70 is on the external rim. The magnets 71 have bearings to enable rotating. Such a fan allows for a better air flow in the system also when the fan is not switched on: the air flow is free thanks to the design. The air flow drives the fan, and the rotating fan enhances the air flow. The opening and closing of flaps 19, and thereby the air flow, will be automatically steered through thermostats and sensors.

The solar collector G has got air pipes ψ = 70 -75 (approximately). The air pipes 25 in the solar collector interior G are spirally coiled up, which allows for better air circulation. The external surface of air pipes 25 is coated 29, the coat will accommodate the water flow and is coupled with connection pipes 26 that conduct the water flow and will be receiving the solar heat through the lamellas. The collector G will be used to heat the sanitary water in the summer, and in winter also to heat the air or gas that will be fed into the mixing chamber F and through it, into the accumulator B and further into evaporator (condenser) 1.

Due to optimal temperature of the heated air, the evaporator 1 will use less energy for heating the buildings or sanitary water, respectively. When the sensor detects very low temperatures, the flap 27 closes and the fan 52 engages: the fan drives the air circulation which prevents the water in the collector G from freezing in winter, or at very low temperatures respectively. Water comes into collector G through the inlet 28 and flows out through outlet 35. When the sensor has detected that air temperature is high enough, the flap X will open and the air moves on into the system - the mixing chamber F, as shown in Figure 5.

All parts of the system hereunder are of modular design, assembly and dismantling is possible by quick dismantling connection rings 7. Like other components of the system in this invention, the accumulator B is also of modular design. It accommodates copper pipes for water and coils for air circulation. It is used for heating and cooling. It can be filled with water, which is the cheapest medium for exchanging heat. As it can be disassembled very fast and conveniently, it can also be filled with sand or another material with good heat absorption and discharge. Thanks to their modular design and convenient disassembling into components - which absorb and emit the heat themselves, they can be replaced by new, better materials when these emerge in the market. The convenient design offered by this invention makes this solution fit for use anywhere, regardless of weather conditions, and not affecting the external appearance of the buildings. In addition, it is suitable for densely populated areas: being capable of operating without external units, it does not cause any disturbing noise. As the system is a closed one and located in the boiler room or another suitable place, it operates inaudibly. The solution is economical, with low electricity consumption, and is therefore environmentally friendly.

When we wish the system to be entirely closed, we simply replace the circulating air from the combined solar collector with the circulation of water or another fluid or gas with good heat absorption and emission. The heat pump C supplies the entire system when needed. All the coils 12 have an adequate sealing for water and gas. An appropriate fluid or gas flows through the coils 12. The diameter of coil (12) in this variant is adequately smaller.

The element C can also be used alone. An example of stand-alone use: The element C is installed in a boiler room or another room, the piping system for air inflow and outflow have to be properly customized/adjusted in the room with inflow and outflow into the atmosphere. In such a case, the optimal utilisation rate cannot be preserved against external atmospheric changes. There is no impact spoiling the external appearance of buildings and no disturbing noise because the element C is closed in the casing. For heating it uses the working operating unit of the

compressor 30 and thereby it improves the utilisation of operation.