WO2009115597A2

WO2009115597A2 - Heat exchanger and a modular heat exchanger system

Info

Publication number: WO2009115597A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/053292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Kirnich
Original assignee: Walter Kirnich
Priority date: 2008-03-20
Filing date: 2009-03-20
Publication date: 2009-09-24
Also published as: AT506596A4; AT506596B1; WO2009115597A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1, 1') comprising flow channels (3, 3') through which a medium flows, said channels opening up into at least one manifold (4, 4'), wherein the at least one manifold (4, 4') can be connected to at least one manifold (4, 4') of an adjacent heat exchanger (1, 1') by way of a flexible tubular connection (11), and a modular heat exchange system (10) made up of heat exchanger units, use thereof as a solar absorber system.

Description

Heat exchangers, as well as a modular heat exchanger system

The invention relates to a heat exchanger with flow channels through which a medium flows, which open into at least one collecting tube and a modular heat exchanger system.

EP 0 454 663 A1 discloses a heat exchanger which is equipped with a plurality of flow channels which are optionally interconnected by webs, wherein the flow channels are embedded in granules of rubber-like material interconnected by a binder. The preparation of such a walkable heat exchanger is carried out by applying a plastic granules, which is for example a mixture of adhesive and a plastic, wherein in the pasty plastic matrix, the flow channels, and optionally the manifold are pressed and other layers pasty mixture of adhesive and plastic are applied.

This heat exchanger is particularly suitable for forming large-area heat exchanger systems. However, the production of large-scale systems is cost-intensive and time-consuming, since these are only created on site.

In EP 1 526 344 A1, therefore, a modular system is proposed in which individual heat exchanger modules are connected to one another. The connection of the individual modules takes place via rigid snap connections. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the modules have no adjustment options on an uneven surface due to this rigid connection. It must therefore be processed before consuming the modules of the substrate accordingly consuming. Furthermore, a high manufacturing accuracy of the individual heat exchanger modules is required to ensure a watertight connection of the individual modules. A similar device is also to be found in DE 44 14 111 Al, wherein a solar heating system is disclosed, which is designed as Beckenumrandung a swimming pool.

Because of their insulation, glazed solar panels have the advantage of achieving high target temperatures (eg for hot water). This is usually not guaranteed with an absorber system. However, glass-insulated collectors are usually not very stable mechanically, while the absorber has the advantage of flexibility and can be designed walkable. Furthermore, the maximum temperatures for an absorber system below 100 ⁰ C, so there is no risk of heat shock and the associated risk of damage. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a heat exchanger, which eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, and at the same time integrates the advantages of glazed collector technology.

This object is achieved by a heat exchanger of the type mentioned in the present invention, that the at least one collecting pipe via a flexible pipe connection with at least one collecting tube of an adjacent heat exchanger is connected. Through this flexible connection of two or preferably a plurality of heat exchangers, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger system that tolerates uneven floors and larger manufacturing tolerances in the manufacture of the heat exchanger. In contrast to the known solutions with plate heat exchangers in which the medium is passed through the heat exchanger by means of baffles and the like, in the present invention, the medium is passed through flow channels and collected in headers. Thus, a better flow through the heat exchanger units is achieved with less flow resistance, whereby a larger number of heat exchanger elements assembled and thus larger total areas compared to the known prior art can be established.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the absorber part of the heat exchanger consisting of flow channels and collecting tube is arranged in a dimensionally stable carrier trough and covered with a walkable cover layer. If the carrier tub is additionally insulated downwards (ie in the direction of the support surface), much higher temperatures than with normal absorber systems are achieved, without losing the advantage of flexibility and accessibility of absorber systems. The flow channels are preferably insulated in the carrier trough down with an insulating layer (eg Styrosolverbin- compounds) to achieve higher temperatures in the heat exchanger. There are no pressure devices necessary because the heat exchanger can not reach more than 100 ⁰ C due to design.

Preferably, the cover layer is formed liquid-tight. It prevents penetration of, for example, rainwater into the heat exchanger and freezing of penetrated water. This increases the life of the heat accumulator increases.

In a first variant of the invention, the cover layer consists of the same material as the plastic matrix in which the flow channels are embedded. In another embodiment of the invention, the flow channels between the plastic matrix and cover layer are embedded. The plastic matrix is preferably used in both variants additionally the impact sound insulation. The At least one collecting tube can likewise be embedded in the plastic matrix.

The cover layer can also be made of stone, ceramic, clay or tar products, the design options of the top layer in terms of their appearance are no limits.

Preferably, the cover layer has larger outer dimensions than the bottom of the carrier trough, so that it forms an edge region of the heat exchanger which projects at least beyond the base surface of the carrier trough. Now, if two heat exchangers arranged side by side, so the outstanding outer layers form a channel formed with the side walls of the respective support trays, in which the flexible pipe connection is arranged, which connects the two heat exchangers together. In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the carrier trough are designed at their upper edge in such a way that they engage underneath and additionally support these outstanding outer layers, thereby further improving the accessibility and stability of the heat exchanger.

Preferably, the medium in the flow channels and in the collection tube is water or an antifreeze / water mixture. If the heat exchanger used for the heating of a swimming pool, the pool water is passed through the heat exchanger and heated by the sunlight. If it is used for hot water applications, the solar circuit is separated from the hot water circuit by means of a heat exchanger, provided that not only the shower water standard but also the drinking water standard is met.

The heat exchanger according to the invention is used in particular in a modular heat exchanger system. In this case, at least two heat exchangers are connected to one another via a flexible pipe connection. Preferably, this flexible pipe connection is a flexible metal pipe, in particular a corrugated pipe. The flexible pipe connection in this case connects the headers of the respective adjacent heat exchanger, so that the medium passing through the heat exchanger is heated as it passes through the heat exchanger. The flexible pipe connection is in this case able to compensate for uneven floors or movements of the ground. Due to the modular design of the heat exchanger system, it is no longer necessary to make elaborate preparations with respect to the ground flatness or soil condition. Also, the assembly of the system takes place much faster compared to the construction of large-scale systems directly on site. In the modular heat exchanger system according to the invention, only the individual heat exchanger using the flexible pipe joint are interconnected, whereby time and associated costs are saved. Another advantage of the invention is also that the heat exchanger system can be extended at any time to further heat exchanger units.

In order to obtain a uniform surface of the heat exchanger system, the flexible pipe connection is preferably arranged below two adjacent cover layers of two adjacent heat exchangers. In this case, the flexible pipe connection is accommodated in the channel formed by two cover layers arranged side by side heat exchanger.

Advantageously, the abutting edge of the two cover layers is sealed with an elastic liquid-tight material. In this way, a uniform surface is obtained, which is able to compensate for bumps due to their elastic properties, and possibly occurring after installation of the heat exchanger system ground movements.

Such a heat exchanger system is preferably used as a solar absorber system, wherein the individual heat exchanger elements are heated by solar radiation or optionally by increased air temperature and this heat is delivered to the medium flowing through the flow channels.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a non-limiting embodiment. Show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the heat exchanger from FIG. 1A without cover layer; FIG.

Fig. 3A is another partially cutaway view from above;

Fig. 3B is a side view with enlarged detail X;

Fig. 3C is a bottom view; such as

4 shows a heat exchanger system according to the invention, wherein a plurality of heat exchangers are connected to one another; and

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the heat exchanger according to the invention in conjunction with a second heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2C is housed in a support trough 2 made of metal or other deformation resistant material. In the support trough 2 flow channels 3 are installed, which open into two manifolds 4, which are arranged on two opposite sides of the support trough 2.

The flow channels 3 are in this case made of flexible material such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) or other rubber-like plastics, or else of rigid material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or metal. Usually, the flow channels 3, as well as the manifolds 4, a circular cross-section. However, they may have any other cross-sectional shape suitable for the use according to the invention.

As filler 5 between the headers 4, for example, a mixture containing, inter alia, used. In this case, the plastic matrix 5 is in particular EPDM or EPDM PU. The plastic matrix 5 preferably has flexible properties, and can withstand temperatures of -30 ⁰ C to +90 ⁰ C.

Finally, the heat exchanger 1 still has a cover layer 6, wherein the material of the cover layer 6 is preferably liquid-tight. In addition, the material of the cover layer 6 is insensitive to mechanical and temperature-induced stresses, so that the surface of the heat exchanger 1 is accessible and thus usable, for example as a sports area, as a terrace or swimming pool border. The cover layer 6 is also suitable for contributing to the optical design. For example, like the plastic matrix 5, it can be made from EPDM or EPDM-PU, which can also be colored. However, other materials such as stone, tiles, ceramic, clay or tar products may also be used as cover layer 6. In order to positively influence the impact damping of the heat exchanger 1, a footfall sound insulation is preferably additionally accommodated below the flow channels 3.

The collecting tubes 4 located in the outer region of the support trough 2 have connecting pieces 7 at their respective ends which are suitable for receiving connecting elements which connect the heat exchanger 1 to an adjacent heat exchanger. Such fittings 7 may be, for example, quick couplings, wherein the flexible tube 11, the two heat exchanger 1, 1 'of FIG. 4 connects to each other, has a matching counterpart. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible pipe connection 11 is attached via a provided with a rubber seal screw 7 to the headers 4, 4 'and additionally fixed with a clamped over the screw fuse clip 12 (detail X). Likewise, pipe clamps or the like Devices for the connection of the flexible tube 11 with the manifold 4 suitable.

The flexible pipe connection 11, here a corrugated pipe, is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material, in particular when the heat exchangers 1, 1 'are used for heating water in swimming pools and therefore chlorinated water is passed through them. The diameter of these corrugated pipes 11 is for example 20 mm, while the manifolds 4, 4 ', for example, 25 mm in diameter.

In Fig. 4, a heat exchanger system 10 according to the invention is shown, wherein individual heat exchangers 1, 1 'are connected to each other in a modular manner. The connection of the individual heat exchangers 1, 1 'takes place here via a flexible pipe connection 11, which in each case connects a collecting pipe 4 of a heat exchanger 1 to the collecting pipe 4' of an adjacent heat exchanger 1 '. The headers 4, 4 'are connected to an inlet 13 and finally lead into a drain 14, which discharges a medium which passes through the headers 4, 4' and the collecting channels 3. This medium, for example water or a water / glycol mixture is pumped through the inlet 13 in the first heat exchanger 1 in the manifold 4, and flows through the collecting ducts 3. At the same time reaches a portion of the flowing medium through the flexible pipe connection 11 into the manifold 4 'of the adjacent heat exchanger 1' and also flows through the collecting channels 3 '. The medium is heated by the incident on the heat exchanger 1, 1 'solar radiation and finally reaches the outlet 14, via which the heated medium, for example, a heat pump or directly to a swimming pool (not shown) is supplied.

By connecting the individual heat exchangers 1, 1 'by means of flexible connecting pipes 11 any unevenness or movements of the ground can be compensated. In addition, a quick and easy installation of the heat exchanger system 10 is possible because the individual heat exchangers 1, 1 'placed like tiles, connected to each other via the flexible pipe connections 11 and finally connected to inlet 13 and outlet 14.

The flexible pipe connection 11 is arranged in a channel (not shown) which is formed by the side walls of the two heat exchangers 1, 1 'with the cover layers 6, 6'. The gap between the two cover layers 6, 6 'is filled with an elastic joint material 15 in order to obtain a uniform surface of the heat exchanger system 10. In addition, the flexible joint compound compensates 15 caused by temperature fluctuations distance changes between the heat exchangers 1, 1 'from. Likewise, be seen that the heat exchanger system 10 is alternatively or additionally covered with an optionally prefabricated cover layer, which covers all heat exchangers in one piece and can be configured as desired.

5, a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein two heat exchangers 1, 1 'in turn preferably via a corrugated tube 11 are in communication. The heat exchanger 1, 1 'is preferably arranged in a carrier trough 2 of metal, which is required on the one hand in the production of the heat exchanger 1, 1' and on the other hand the heat exchanger 1, 1 'isolated and protects against mechanical damage during the laying process and also thereafter. In the manufacture of the heat exchanger 1, 1 'according to the invention, in this embodiment initially an insulating layer 16, for example of Styrodur or other insulating material, is arranged in the carrier trough 2. This insulating layer 16 may either be arranged only in the bottom region of the support trough 2 or else completely cover the inner surfaces of the support trough 2.

Subsequently, a first layer of the absorber matrix 5, preferably ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, poured into the carrier trough 2, then arranged the flow channels 3 in the support trough 2 and cast a further plastic matrix 5, so that the flow channels 3 of a homogeneous absorber matrix. 5 are surrounded. Finally, a crack-resistant cover layer 6, 6 'is applied, which projects beyond the support trough 2.

When installing the heat exchanger modules 1, 1 ', the headers of the individual heat exchanger modules 1, 1' are connected to one another via a corrugated pipe 11, wherein the corrugated pipe 11 outside the support tray 2 below the projections of the two cover layers 6, 6 'of adjacent heat exchanger modules 1, 1' is arranged and thus protected against mechanical damage. Finally, the cover layers 6, 6 'of adjacent heat exchangers 1, 1' are sealed at their abutting edges with a flexible sealing material 15.

The embodiment of the invention shown here, due to their additional insulation 16, which in particular protects against heat loss in the direction of the underground on which the heat exchanger modules 1, 1 'are laid, protects, an excellent efficiency, wherein the heating of the circulating in the flow channels heat carrier by solar radiation essential is higher than in the heat exchanger of the prior art. Thus, when using the heat exchanger modules 1, 1 'according to the invention, a heat exchanger system 10 is obtained, which can be laid in a simple manner on the ground, wherein this system can be committed and has sufficient efficiency to Hot water collector to be used to replace the usual solar panels, for example, on the roof of a family home.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other embodiments in which individual for themselves rigid heat exchanger elements are modularly assembled via flexible connecting elements to a heat exchanger system, which is able to compensate for uneven floors or movements of the subsoil. Likewise, the heat exchanger according to the invention can also be used for cooling, for example, for the establishment of a skating rink in winter, when a cooled medium is passed through it.

Claims

1. heat exchanger (1, 1 ') with flow medium through a flow channels (3, 3'), in at least one collecting pipe (4, 4 ') open, characterized in that the at least one collecting tube (4, 4') via a flexible pipe connection (11) can be connected to at least one collecting pipe (4, 4 ') of a neighboring heat exchanger (1, 1').

Second heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged in a dimensionally stable carrier trough (2) and covered with a walk-on cover layer (6, 6').

3. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover layer (6, 6') is liquid-tight.

4. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cover layer (6, 6') made of plastic, stone, ceramic, clay or tar products is produced.

5. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flow channels (4, 4') in an absorber matrix (5), in particular of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) embedded are.

6. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to claim 5, characterized in that between the absorber matrix (5) and support trough (2) at least in the bottom region of the carrier trough (2) an insulating layer (16) is arranged.

7. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the cover layer (6, 6') has larger outer dimensions than the bottom of the carrier trough (2), so that they at least partially over the Base surface of the support tray (2) protruding edge region of the heat exchanger (1, 1 ') forms.

8. Heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the flow channels (3, 3') and in the collecting tube (4, 4 ') located medium water or an antifreeze / water Mixture is.

9. Modular heat exchanger system (10) with at least two interconnected via a flexible pipe connection (11) heat exchanger (1, 1 ') according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Modular heat exchanger system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the flexible pipe connection (11) is a flexible metal pipe, in particular a corrugated pipe.

11. Modular heat exchanger system (10) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the flexible pipe connection (11) below juxtaposed cover layers (6, 6 ') of two adjacent heat exchanger (1, 1') is arranged.

12. Modular heat exchanger system (10) according to claim 9 to 11, characterized in that the abutting edge of the cover layers (6, 6 ') of adjacent heat exchanger (1, 1') is sealed with an elastic, liquid-tight material (15).

13. Use of a heat exchange system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12 as a solar absorber system, in particular for heating domestic water.