EP4332463A1 - Heat generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat production device comprising a first compression heat pump (1) comprising a first fluid circuit (6) capable of receiving a heat transfer fluid and on which is successively arranged a first compressor (3), a first condenser (4), a first expander (5) and a first evaporator (2), characterized in that the device comprises an absorption heat transformer (20) comprising a second fluidic circuit (25) capable of receiving a working solution and on which is arranged successively a second evaporator (21), an absorber (22), a generator (23) and a second condenser (24), the second condenser (24) is coupled to the first fluidic circuit (6) upstream of the first compressor (3) and preferably downstream of the first evaporator (2) and that the device comprises a coupling circuit (10) capable of receiving a coupling fluid and on which is arranged the first condenser (4), the generator (23 ) and the second evaporator (21).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of heat production and in particular industrial heat. It will find its application for applications with a strong need for decarbonization and in particular for high temperature heat pumps.

STATE OF THE ART

Research is increasingly oriented towards the development of solutions allowing the optimization of energy sources, particularly through the optimal recovery of waste heat. This research aims in particular to reduce CO ₂ emissions.

High temperature heat pumps are promising technologies. The high temperature or even very high temperature heat pump allows the heat transfer fluid to reach a temperature of around 100°C.

In these types of heat pumps, the difficulty lies in designing compressors with significant coefficients of performance (COP) of at least 2 or even 3.

Furthermore, it is common to use waste energy as a heat source for the heat pump, the temperature of which can be quite low. It is then difficult to raise this temperature efficiently and to a temperature level sufficient for industrial use, for example.

The publication C. Arpagaus et al., 2018, High temperature heat pumps: Market overview, state of the art, research status, refrigerants, and application potentials, Energy 152 (2018) 985-1010 describes different high temperature heat pumps with steam compressor.

At the same time, we also know absorption heat transformers (TCA) also called Absorption Heat Transfer (AHT). These transformers are presented as allowing low electricity consumption without the use of a compressor. This technology is still little known until now.

Air conditioning systems comprising an absorption machine and a mechanical compression machine are known from the document EP 3 627 074 . These systems aim to offer a complementary solution in the event of a lack of cold production by the absorption machine thanks to the compression machine. The operation of an absorption machine for the production of cold differs from an absorption heat transformer (TCA), likewise with regard to a mechanical compression machine which produces cold compared to a heat pump for the heat production. Furthermore, in this document the coupling of the machines for the production of cold is done respectively by the condensers between them and the evaporators between them.

There is a need to propose a solution which allows both the use of waste heat to produce thermal energy for industry, conventionally at least at 80° or even 100°C while having the lowest energy consumption. low possible.

SUMMARY

To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a heat production device is provided comprising a first compression heat pump comprising a first fluid circuit capable of receiving a heat transfer fluid and on which are successively arranged a first compressor, a first condenser , a first expander and a first evaporator, characterized in that the device comprises an absorption heat transformer comprising a second fluidic circuit capable of receiving a working solution and on which are successively arranged a second evaporator, an absorber, a generator and a second condenser, the second condenser is coupled to, more precisely is arranged on the, first fluid circuit upstream of the first compressor and preferably downstream of the first evaporator and that the device comprises a coupling circuit capable of receiving a coupling fluid and on which the first condenser, the generator and the second evaporator are arranged, preferably successively.

This device thus makes it possible to produce so-called high temperature heat advantageously greater than or equal to 80°C preferably greater than or equal to 100°C while exploiting a low temperature heat source, preferably at ambient temperature, more precisely between 0 and 20 °C while still having good efficiency.

For this, the coupling between the first heat pump and the absorption heat transformer is carried out at the level of the second condenser, that is to say the condenser of the absorption heat transformer so that the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump recovers the thermal rejection from the second capacitor of the absorption heat transformer. This makes it possible to optimize the evaporation of the first heat transfer fluid before being compressed in the first compressor.

In addition, the device also makes it possible to power the heat transformer with the thermal energy produced by the first heat pump. Thermal energy from the first heat pump is transmitted from the first condenser to the generator and evaporator of the absorption heat transformer. This is possible because the first heat pump advantageously makes it possible to reach a temperature of the first heat transfer fluid at the outlet of the first compressor of at least 80°C.

Another aspect relates to a method of producing heat by a device as described above comprising the coupling of the first fluidic circuit of the first heat pump to the absorption heat transformer by the coupling between the second condenser and the first fluidic circuit and by the coupling between the first condenser and the generator and advantageously the second evaporator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1 représente un dispositif de production de chaleur selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention comprenant une première pompe à chaleur et un transformateur de chaleur à absorption.
• La figure 2 représente un dispositif de production de chaleur selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention comprenant une première pompe à chaleur, un transformateur de chaleur à absorption et une deuxième pompe à chaleur.
• La figure 3 représente le circuit du transformateur de chaleur à absorption.

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

• There figure 1 represents a heat production device according to a first embodiment of the invention comprising a first heat pump and an absorption heat transformer.
• There figure 2 represents a heat production device according to a second embodiment of the invention comprising a first heat pump, an absorption heat transformer and a second heat pump.
• There Figure 3 represents the absorption heat transformer circuit.

The drawings are given as examples and do not limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• Selon un exemple, le circuit de couplage 10 est distinct du premier circuit fluidique 6 et du deuxième circuit fluidique 25. Préférentiellement, le premier circuit fluidique 6 et le deuxième circuit fluidique 25 sont distincts ;
• Selon un exemple, le deuxième condenseur 24 est agencé sur le premier circuit fluidique 6 en aval du premier évaporateur 2 et en amont du premier compresseur 3 ;
• Selon un exemple, le dispositif comprend un premier circuit intermédiaire apte à recevoir un premier fluide intermédiaire et agencé entre le deuxième condenseur 24 et un échangeur thermique agencé sur le premier circuit fluidique ;
• Selon un exemple, le premier évaporateur 2 est configuré pour être alimenté par une source froide basse température 7, préférentiellement inférieure à 20°C, plus préférentiellement inférieure à 15°C ;
  • Selon un exemple, le générateur 23 et le deuxième évaporateur 21 sont agencés en parallèle sur le circuit de couplage 10 ;
  • Selon un exemple, le circuit de couplage une sortie du premier condenseur 4 est connectée fluidiquement, préférentiellement directement, à une entrée du générateur 23 et du deuxième évaporateur 21, une sortie du générateur 23 est connectée fluidiquement, préférentiellement directement, à une entrée du condenseur 4 et à une entrée du deuxième évaporateur 21, une sortie du deuxième évaporateur 21 est connectée fluidiquement, préférentiellement directement, à une entrée du premier condenseur 4 ;
  • Selon un exemple, le premier fluide caloporteur de la première pompe à chaleur 1 constitue une source froide 8 du deuxième condenseur 24 du transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 ;
  • Selon un exemple, le fluide de couplage du circuit de couplage constitue une source de refroidissement 9 du premier condenseur 4 de la pompe à chaleur 1 ;
  • Selon un exemple, le fluide de couplage du circuit de couplage constitue une source de chaleur 11 du générateur 23 du transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20.
  • Selon un exemple, le fluide de couplage du circuit de couplage constitue une source chaude 12 du deuxième évaporateur 21 du transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 ;
  • Selon un exemple, le dispositif comprend une deuxième pompe à chaleur à compression 30 comprenant un deuxième circuit fluidique 34 apte à recevoir un deuxième fluide caloporteur et sur lequel est agencé successivement un deuxième compresseur 31, un deuxième détendeur 33 et un troisième condenseur 32, l'absorbeur 22 étant couplé au, plus précisément est agencé sur le, deuxième circuit fluidique en amont du deuxième compresseur 31 et préférentiellement en aval du deuxième détendeur 33.

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, the following are set out as optional characteristics which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

• According to one example, the coupling circuit 10 is distinct from the first fluidic circuit 6 and the second fluidic circuit 25. Preferably, the first fluidic circuit 6 and the second fluidic circuit 25 are distinct;
• According to one example, the second condenser 24 is arranged on the first fluid circuit 6 downstream of the first evaporator 2 and upstream of the first compressor 3;
• According to one example, the device comprises a first intermediate circuit capable of receiving a first intermediate fluid and arranged between the second condenser 24 and a heat exchanger arranged on the first fluid circuit;
• According to one example, the first evaporator 2 is configured to be supplied by a low temperature cold source 7, preferably lower than 20°C, plus preferably below 15°C;
  • According to one example, the generator 23 and the second evaporator 21 are arranged in parallel on the coupling circuit 10;
  • According to one example, the coupling circuit an output of the first condenser 4 is connected fluidically, preferably directly, to an input of the generator 23 and of the second evaporator 21, an output of the generator 23 is connected fluidically, preferably directly, to an input of the condenser 4 and at an inlet of the second evaporator 21, an outlet of the second evaporator 21 is fluidly connected, preferably directly, to an inlet of the first condenser 4;
  • According to one example, the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump 1 constitutes a cold source 8 of the second condenser 24 of the absorption heat transformer 20;
  • According to one example, the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a cooling source 9 of the first condenser 4 of the heat pump 1;
  • According to one example, the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a heat source 11 of the generator 23 of the absorption heat transformer 20.
  • According to one example, the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a hot source 12 of the second evaporator 21 of the absorption heat transformer 20;
  • According to one example, the device comprises a second compression heat pump 30 comprising a second fluid circuit 34 capable of receiving a second heat transfer fluid and on which is successively arranged a second compressor 31, a second expander 33 and a third condenser 32, the absorber 22 being coupled to, more precisely is arranged on the, second fluid circuit upstream of the second compressor 31 and preferably downstream of the second expander 33.

• Selon un exemple, l'absorbeur 24 est agencé sur le deuxième circuit fluidique en aval du détendeur 31 et en amont du compresseur 31 ;
• Selon un exemple, le dispositif comprend un deuxième circuit intermédiaire apte à recevoir un deuxième fluide intermédiaire et agencé entre l'absorbeur 22 et un évaporateur agencé sur le deuxième circuit fluidique en aval du détendeur 33 et en amont du compresseur 31 ;

• Selon un exemple, le procédé comprend le couplage du premier circuit fluidique de la première pompe à chaleur 1 au transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 par l'agencement du deuxième condenseur 24 sur le premier circuit fluidique 6 de la première pompe à chaleur 1 et par le circuit de couplage 10 sur lequel est agencé le premier condenseur 4 et le générateur 23 et l'évaporateur 21, le générateur 23 et l'évaporateur 21 étant agencés en parallèle ;
• Selon un exemple, le premier fluide caloporteur de la première pompe à chaleur 1 constitue une source froide 8 du deuxième condenseur 24 du transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 en récupérant l'énergie thermique évacuée lors de la condensation du premier fluide caloporteur dans le deuxième condenseur 24 ;
• Selon un exemple, le fluide de couplage du circuit de couplage 10 constitue une source de chaleur 11 du générateur 23 du transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 en récupérant l'énergie thermique évacuée lors de la condensation du premier fluide caloporteur dans le premier condenseur 4 ;Selon un exemple, la solution de travail du transformateur de chaleur à absorption est choisie parmi le couple NH₃/H₂O ou H₂O/LiBr.

This second heat pump is coupled to the absorption heat transformer so as to raise the temperature level again. The coupling makes it possible to recover the heat produced by the absorption heat transformer to power the heat pump which then operates with an optimized temperature differential allowing an optimal coefficient of performance.

• According to one example, the absorber 24 is arranged on the second fluid circuit downstream of the expander 31 and upstream of the compressor 31;
• According to one example, the device comprises a second intermediate circuit capable of receive a second intermediate fluid and arranged between the absorber 22 and an evaporator arranged on the second fluid circuit downstream of the expander 33 and upstream of the compressor 31;

• According to one example, the method comprises the coupling of the first fluidic circuit of the first heat pump 1 to the absorption heat transformer 20 by the arrangement of the second condenser 24 on the first fluidic circuit 6 of the first heat pump 1 and by the coupling circuit 10 on which the first condenser 4 and the generator 23 and the evaporator 21 are arranged, the generator 23 and the evaporator 21 being arranged in parallel;
• According to one example, the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump 1 constitutes a cold source 8 of the second condenser 24 of the absorption heat transformer 20 by recovering the thermal energy evacuated during the condensation of the first heat transfer fluid in the second condenser 24;
• According to one example, the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit 10 constitutes a heat source 11 of the generator 23 of the absorption heat transformer 20 by recovering the thermal energy evacuated during the condensation of the first heat transfer fluid in the first condenser 4; According to one example, the working solution of the absorption heat transformer is chosen from the couple NH ₃ /H ₂ O or H ₂ O/LiBr.

The use of the indefinite article “un” or “une” for an element or a step does not exclude, unless otherwise stated, the presence of a plurality of such elements or steps.

In the present description, the expression "A fluidically connected to B" is synonymous with "A is in fluidic connection with B" does not necessarily mean that there is no organ between A and B. The expressions "arranged on" or "on" are synonymous with "fluidically connected to".

The upstream and downstream at a given point are taken with reference to the direction of circulation of the fluid in the circuit.

By hot, cold, cooled, we mean a relative temperature compared to another point in the system.

By a parameter "substantially equal/greater/less than" or "of the order of" a given value is meant that this parameter is equal/greater/less than the given value, to within plus or minus 10%, or even to plus or minus 5% of this value.

The terms "first", "second" and "third", etc. are used simply as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects

The device according to the invention comprises a first heat pump 1 with a compressor. The first heat pump 1 is intended to produce heat advantageously from a heat source 7 at low temperature. The low temperature heat source 7 is advantageously a source of waste heat. The heat source 7 is advantageously at a temperature less than or equal to 30°C, preferably an ambient temperature of around 25°C, preferably between 0° and 30°C, preferably around 20°C. vs.

The first heat pump 1 comprises a first fluid circuit 6. The first fluid circuit 6 is advantageously a closed circuit. The heat pump 1 comprises an evaporator 2, a compressor 3, a condenser 4 and an expander 5 arranged on said circuit 6 and advantageously in series. The first fluidic circuit is intended to receive a first heat transfer fluid whose state changes during its circulation in the different components arranged on said circuit.

The heat pump 1 includes an evaporator 2 intended to vaporize the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid in the liquid state evaporates by absorbing the heat from a heat source 7 also called a low temperature waste heat source, such as an external fluid for example a circulating air flow or a fluid flow from industrial processes. The heat transfer fluid leaves the evaporator 2 in the gaseous state. The evaporator 2 is fluidly connected to the expander 5 and to the compressor 3. The evaporator 2 comprises a fluid connection with the expander 5 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the partially gaseous liquid state into the evaporator 2, preferably directly. The evaporator 2 includes a fluid connection with the compressor 3 allowing the exit of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state from the evaporator 2.

According to the invention, the first heat pump 1 is coupled to an absorption heat transformer 20 described below.

The coupling is advantageously a thermal coupling. By coupling is meant a thermal connection of the first heat pump 1 and the absorption heat transformer 20.

Coupling means that there are interactions between coupled elements, that is to say a reciprocal reaction of two phenomena on each other.

Advantageously, the coupling takes place at least between the condenser 24 and the first fluid circuit 6.

According to a first preferred and represented possibility, the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump 1 constitutes at least partially, preferably only, the cold source 8 of the condenser 24 of the absorption heat transformer 20. In this way, the first heat transfer fluid recovers the thermal energy evacuated during the condensation of the refrigerant in the condenser 24. The first heat transfer fluid is thus heated by the absorption heat transformer 20. Preferably, the condenser 24 is thus arranged on the first fluid circuit upstream of the compressor 3 and advantageously downstream of the evaporator 2.

According to a second possibility not shown, the device according to the invention comprises an intermediate circuit capable of receiving an intermediate fluid. The intermediate fluidic circuit is arranged at the interface between the first fluidic circuit and the absorption heat transformer 20. According to this possibility, the intermediate circuit comprises a heat exchanger arranged on the first fluidic circuit preferably upstream of the compressor 3 and advantageously in downstream of the evaporator 2. At the level of the absorption heat transformer 20, the heat exchanger is advantageously done directly at the level of the condenser 24. The condenser 24 is arranged on the intermediate circuit so that the intermediate fluid forms the cold source 8 of the condenser 24 for the benefit of which the refrigerant fluid gives up its thermal energy during its condensation.

The heat pump 1 includes a compressor 3 intended to compress the heat transfer fluid, which causes an increase in the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The compressor 3 sucks the heat transfer fluid at low pressure and advantageously at low temperature preheated by the coupling with the absorption heat transformer 20. The mechanical energy provided by the compressor 3 will make it possible to raise the pressure and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state. An increase in enthalpy will result. The heat transfer fluid leaves compressor 3 in the gaseous state. Compressor 3 is powered by a motor. The compressor 3 is fluidly connected to a condenser 4 and to the evaporator 2. The compressor 3 comprises a fluidic connection with the evaporator 2 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the gas state at low temperature and low pressure into the compressor 3, more specifically with the condenser 24 of the absorption heat transformer or with an intermediate exchanger as described above. The compressor 3 includes a fluid connection with the condenser 4 allowing the heat transfer fluid to exit in the gas state at high temperature and high pressure from the compressor 3, preferably directly.

The heat pump 1 comprises a condenser 4 intended to condense the heat transfer fluid into the state of hot gas coming from the compressor 3, advantageously by heat exchange with a fluid. The heat transfer fluid in the gas state will give up its heat to a cooling source 9.

Advantageously, the coupling of the first heat pump 1 and the absorption heat transformer 20 is done between the condenser 4 and the generator 23 and advantageously with the evaporator 21, advantageously by a coupling circuit. Preferably, the cooling source 9 is at least partially, preferably only, a coupling fluid of a coupling circuit 10. The coupling circuit 10 is capable of receiving the coupling fluid. The coupling circuit 10 ensures thermal coupling between the condenser 4, the generator 23 and the evaporator 21. Preferably, the generator 23 and the evaporator 21 are arranged in parallel so that the coupling fluid from the condenser 4 is sent in parallel to power the generator 23 and the evaporator 21. Advantageously, the coupling circuit 10 is a closed circuit. Preferably, the coupling circuit 10 is distinct from the first fluidic circuit 6 and the second fluidic circuit 25. These three circuits are fluidically independent, that is to say that their respective fluids do not mix. The coupling circuit successively comprises the first condenser 4 then the generator 23 and/or/then the evaporator 21. This arrangement is made according to the direction of circulation of the coupling fluid. The coupling circuit 10 is preferably made up of the condenser 4, the generator 23 and advantageously the evaporator 21. The coupling circuit 10 does not include the absorber, nor the second evaporator, nor advantageously other members of the first pump to heat 1.

In the condenser, the heat transfer fluid transfers its thermal energy to the coupling fluid during its condensation. The heat transfer fluid leaves the condenser 4 in the liquid state. The condenser 4 is fluidly connected to the compressor 3 and to the expander 5. The condenser 4 comprises a fluid connection with the compressor 3 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the gas state at high temperature and high pressure into the condenser 4, preferably directly. The condenser 4 includes a fluid connection with the expander 5 allowing the heat transfer fluid to exit in the liquid state from the condenser 4, preferably directly.

The regulator 5 is intended to expand the heat transfer fluid into the liquid state. The regulator 5 lowers the pressure of the heat transfer fluid causing a drop in its temperature. The heat transfer fluid leaves the regulator 5 partially in the gaseous state. The expander 5 is fluidly connected to the condenser 4 and the evaporator 2. The expander 5 comprises a fluid connection with the condenser 4 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the state of liquid at high pressure into the expander 5, preferably directly . The regulator 5 includes a fluid connection with the evaporator 2 allowing the outlet of the heat transfer fluid in the partially gaseous state of the regulator 5, preferably directly.

The device according to the invention further comprises an absorption heat transformer 20.

The absorption heat transformer 20 operates with a cycle different from an absorption machine where the production of cold is sought. Here, it is heat production that is sought. The absorption heat transformer is powered by a heat source 11 at the level of the generator 23, for example at a temperature of the order of 70-80°C and supplies at the level of the absorber 22 a hot source 37 at a temperature of the order of 120°C.

An absorption heat transformer 20 is a thermal absorption heat pump using a working solution based on refrigerant/sorbent couples having strong affinities. This solution has low electrical consumption, the main energy coming from the thermal source, making it possible to limit the operating cost in the case of the valorization of a low-cost energy source or waste heat. In addition, the refrigerants used in absorption heat transformers 20 have no or low environmental impact: neither on global warming (GWP for Global warning potential = 0), nor on the ozone layer (ODP for Ozone depletion potential = 0).

This type of heat transformer works thanks to the ability of certain liquids to absorb (exothermic reaction) and desorb (endothermic reaction) a vapor. They also use the fact that the solubility of this vapor in the liquid depends on temperature and pressure. Thus, these transformers use as a working solution a binary mixture, one of the components of which is more volatile than the other, and constitutes the refrigerant.

The absorption heat transformer 20 comprises an absorption fluid circuit 34 configured to ensure the fluid connection of the different components of the absorption heat transformer 20. The absorption fluid circuit 34 is a closed circuit intended to receive the working solution.

An absorption heat transformer (TCA) comprises four main exchangers (generator 23, absorber 22, condenser 24 and evaporator 21), and advantageously from one to three secondary exchangers. The role of the three secondary exchangers is to improve the performance of the machine such as: a rectifier (not shown), an economizer (28), preheating (not shown). A rectifier can be added between the generator 23 and the condenser 24 and/or a preheater between the condenser 24 and evaporator 21.

According to one possibility, the TCA 20 also includes at least one solution pump 26 and at least two expansion valves.

This type of transformer 20 operates at three temperature levels: a low temperature level corresponding to the heat production at the condenser 24, an intermediate temperature level corresponding to the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator 21, but also at the driving temperature of the generator 23 and a high temperature level corresponding to the absorption temperature in the absorber 22. A TCA 20 operates partly at high pressure between the condenser inlet 24 and the outlet of the evaporator 21 and on the other hand at low pressure between the inlet of the absorber 22 and the outlet of the generator 23.

This thermodynamic cycle is feasible due to the vapor pressure difference between the absorbent and the refrigerant which is variable depending on the temperature and pressure. This variability allows for a difference in concentration between the poor solution and the rich solution described below. The advantage of this absorption cycle is that mechanical compression is replaced by thermochemical compression which produces heat. The only primary energy input required is at pumps 26-27, but the work is approximately 96 times less than the work that the steam compressor must provide for similar operating conditions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the TCA 20 comprises a working solution comprising the refrigerant/absorbent couple preferably chosen from the ammonia/water (NH3/H2O) or water/Lithium Bromide (H ₂ O/LiBr ).

The NH3/H2O couple can be used for heating applications. On the other hand, for this couple, the vapor pressure difference between the absorbent and the refrigerant is small. There are therefore traces of water carried with the ammonia vapor leaving the generator, sometimes requiring the presence of a rectifier.

The working solution is called rich, because the concentration of refrigerant is greater than in the so-called lean working solution.

The absorption heat transformer 20 according to the invention comprises: a generator 23 described in detail below.

The generator 23 is configured to vaporize the refrigerant. The generator 23 is fluidly connected to the absorber 22 and to the condenser 24. The generator 23 comprises a fluidic connection with the absorber 22 allowing the entry of the so-called rich working solution into the generator 23, preferably directly. According to an embodiment shown in Figure 3 , the absorption heat transformer 20 comprises between the generator 23 and the absorber 22, an economizer 28, an expander 29 and a pump 27. The economizer 28 and the expander 29 ensure the circulation of the working solution from the absorber 22 to the generator 23 and vice versa. The economizer 28 and the pump 27 ensure the circulation of the working solution between the generator 23 and the absorber 22 by generating the so-called lean working solution and the so-called rich working solution. The generator 23 comprises a fluid connection with the condenser 24 allowing the refrigerant vapor to exit from the generator 23, preferably directly except for example in the presence of a rectifier described below and/or preheating. The generator 23 also includes an inlet and a heat source outlet 11 allowing the heat supply necessary for the vaporization of the refrigerant. According to the invention, the heat source 11, or hot source, comprises at least partially, preferably only the coupling fluid heated by the first heat pump 1. Thus, the hot source 11 comes at least partially from the fatal energy supplying the first heat pump 1.

The absorption heat transformer 20 according to the invention comprises a condenser 24 described in detail below.

The condenser 24 is configured to condense the refrigerant vapor. The condenser 24 is fluidly connected to the generator 23 and the evaporator 21. The condenser 24 comprises a fluid connection from the generator 23 allowing the entry of the refrigerant vapor into the condenser 24, preferably directly or through a rectifier and/or overheating. The condenser 24 comprises a fluid connection with the evaporator 21 allowing the outlet of the refrigerant in the liquid state, directly or through a pump 27 intended to bring the refrigerant to its evaporation pressure, it lowers the pressure fluid. The condenser 24 also comprises a secondary heat source 8 constituted at least partially according to the invention by the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump 1. The phase change of the refrigerant from the vapor state to the liquid state s is accompanied by a release of heat which is transmitted to the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump 1, thus allowing it to be preheated before its compression in the first compressor 3.

Advantageously, the absorption heat transformer 20 comprises a rectifier arranged between the generator 23 and the condenser 24. The rectifier makes it possible to remove by condensation the traces of water entrained with the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the generator 23 and thus ensures the correct operation of transformer 20.

Advantageously, the absorption heat transformer 20 comprises a pump 27 arranged between the condenser 24 and the evaporator 21. The pump 27 is configured to expand the refrigerant into the liquid state coming from the condenser 24. The pump 27 brings the refrigerant to its evaporation pressure.

Advantageously, the absorption heat transformer 20 may include a superheater (not shown) arranged between the condenser 24 and the evaporator 21. The superheater is a heat exchanger arranged between the fluidic connection of the condenser 24 to the evaporator 21 and the fluidic connection of the generator 23 towards the condenser 24. Thus, the heated refrigerant leaving the generator 23 passes through the superheater to transmit part of its heat to the refrigerant leaving the condenser 24, thus making it possible to preheat the refrigerant before entering the evaporator 21. Superheating makes it possible to recover energy and therefore to reduce the size of the condenser 24 and the evaporator 21 and thus to significantly improve the performance of the machine. The relevance of this component depends on the operating temperatures, the size of the machine and the cost of the exchangers.

The absorption heat transformer according to the invention comprises an evaporator 21 described in detail below.

The evaporator 21 is configured to vaporize the refrigerant. The evaporator 21 is fluidly connected to the condenser 24 and the absorber 22. The evaporator 21 includes a fluid connection from the condenser 24. The evaporator 21 includes a fluid connection with the absorber 24, allowing the exit of the vapor of refrigerant, preferably directly. The evaporator 21 also includes an inlet and an outlet of a heat source 12. The phase change of the refrigerant from the liquid state to the vapor state is accompanied by a transmission of heat from the hot source 12 to refrigerant. The hot source 12 transmits calories and thus sees its temperature lower. According to the invention, the hot source 12 is advantageously the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit heated by the first condenser 4 of the first heat pump 1.

The absorption heat transformer 20 according to the invention comprises an absorber 22 described in detail below.

An absorber 22 is configured to condense the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator 21. The absorber 22 is fluidly connected to the evaporator 21 and to the generator 23. The absorber 22 includes a fluid connection from the evaporator 21 allowing the entry of the refrigerant in the vapor state into the absorber 22, preferably directly. The absorber 22 comprises a fluidic connection with the generator 23, more precisely to an economizer 28 through which the solution of so-called rich work is reheated before being transmitted to the generator 23. Then the so-called rich working solution leaving the absorber 22 towards the generator 23 comes out of the economizer 28 then passes preferentially through a regulator 29 before 'reach the generator 23. Advantageously, the economizer 28 is an exchanger transmitting heat from the so-called poor solution coming from the generator 23 to the so-called rich solution coming from the absorber 22. The economizer 28 allows energy recovery making it possible to reduce the size of the absorber 22 and the generator 23 and thus significantly improve the performance of the transformer 20. Advantageously, the generator 23 comprises a fluid connection with the absorber 22, more precisely with a solution pump 27. The fluid connection allows the entry of the so-called poor working solution from the generator 23 into the absorber 22, preferably through the pump 27 then the economizer 28. In the absorber 22, the phase change of the fluid refrigerant from the vapor state to the liquid state is accompanied by a release of heat which is transmitted to a secondary heat source 37. It is this production of heat at the level of the absorber 22 which is particularly sought after according to the invention. The heat source 37 heated by the absorber 22 can, according to one possibility, be used directly, particularly in industry. The temperature of the heat source 37 at the outlet of the absorber 22 is advantageously at least 80°C, preferably 100°C or even 120°C.

According to one embodiment, the secondary heat source 37 is at least partially the second heat transfer fluid of a second heat pump 30.

According to this embodiment, the second heat pump 30 is intended to supplement the heat production produced by the first heat pump 1 and the absorption heat transformer 20.

The second heat pump 30 is intended to produce heat advantageously from a heat source 37 at high temperature. The high temperature heat source 37 is advantageously the heat produced by the heat transformer 20. The heat source 37 is advantageously at a temperature greater than or equal to 80°C, preferably a temperature 100°C.

The second heat pump 30 comprises a second fluid circuit 34. The second fluid circuit 34 is advantageously a closed circuit. The heat pump 30 comprises an evaporator, a compressor 31, a condenser 32 and an expander 33 arranged on said circuit 34 and advantageously in series. The second fluidic circuit 34 is intended to receive a second heat transfer fluid whose state changes during its circulation in the different components arranged on said circuit.

The heat pump 30 comprises a condenser 32 intended to condense the heat transfer fluid into the state of hot gas coming from the compressor 31, advantageously by heat exchange with a fluid. The heat transfer fluid in the gas state will give up its heat to a heating source 35. It is this heating source 35 which is sought in this embodiment so that it can be used in particular industrially. This heat source 35 to be heated is, for example, at 190°C. It comes from consumer feedback.

In the condenser 32, the heat transfer fluid transfers its thermal energy to the source to be heated 35 during its condensation. The heat transfer fluid leaves the condenser 32 in the liquid state. The condenser 32 is fluidly connected to the compressor 31 and to the expander 33. The condenser 32 comprises a fluidic connection with the compressor 31 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the gas state at high temperature and high pressure into the condenser 32, preferably directly. The condenser 32 includes a fluid connection with the expander 31 allowing the heat transfer fluid to exit in the liquid state from the condenser 32, preferably directly.

The regulator 31 is intended to expand the heat transfer fluid into the liquid state. The regulator 31 lowers the pressure of the heat transfer fluid causing a drop in its temperature. The heat transfer fluid leaves the regulator 5 partially in the gaseous state. The expansion valve 31 is fluidly connected to the condenser 32 and the evaporator. The regulator 31 comprises a fluid connection with the condenser 32 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the state of liquid at high pressure into the regulator 5, preferably directly. The regulator 31 comprises a fluid connection with the evaporator allowing the heat transfer fluid to exit in the partially gaseous state from the regulator 31, preferably directly.

The heat pump 30 includes a compressor 31 intended to compress the heat transfer fluid, which causes an increase in the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The compressor 31 sucks the heat transfer fluid at low pressure and advantageously at high temperature preheated by the coupling with the absorption heat transformer 20. The mechanical energy provided by the compressor 31 will make it possible to raise the pressure and the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state. An increase in enthalpy will result. The heat transfer fluid leaves the compressor 31 in the gaseous state. Compressor 31 is powered by a motor. Compressor 31 is fluidly connected to a condenser 32 and the evaporator. The compressor 31 includes a fluid connection with the evaporator allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the gas state at high temperature and low pressure into the compressor 3, more specifically with the absorber 22 of the absorption heat transformer. The compressor 31 includes a fluid connection with the condenser 32 allowing the heat transfer fluid to exit in the gas state at high temperature and high pressure from the compressor 31, preferably directly.

The heat pump 30 includes an evaporator intended to vaporize the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid in the liquid state evaporates by absorbing heat from a heat source. The heat transfer fluid leaves the evaporator in a gaseous state. The evaporator is fluidly connected to the expander 33 and to the compressor 31. The evaporator includes a fluid connection with the expander 31 allowing the entry of the heat transfer fluid in the partially gaseous liquid state into the evaporator, preferably directly. The evaporator includes a fluid connection with the compressor 13 allowing the exit of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state from the evaporator.

According to the invention, the second heat pump 30 is coupled to the absorption heat transformer 20.

The coupling is advantageously a thermal coupling. By coupling is meant a thermal connection of the second heat pump 30 and the absorption heat transformer 20.

Coupling means that there are interactions between coupled elements, that is to say a reciprocal reaction of two phenomena on each other.

Advantageously, the coupling of the second heat pump 30 and the absorption heat transformer 20 is done between the absorber 22 and the evaporator of the heat pump.

According to a first preferred and represented possibility, the second heat pump 30 does not include its own evaporator, it is the absorber 22 which plays the role of the evaporator in the second heat pump 30. The second heat transfer fluid of the second heat pump 30 constitutes at least partially, preferably only, the source to be heated 37 of the absorber 22 of the absorption heat transformer 20. In this way, the second heat transfer fluid recovers the thermal energy evacuated during condensation of the refrigerant in the absorber 22. The second heat transfer fluid is thus heated by the absorption heat transformer 20. Preferably, the absorber 22 is thus arranged on the second fluid circuit upstream of the compressor 31 and advantageously downstream of the expander 33.

According to a second possibility not shown, the device according to the invention comprises an intermediate circuit capable of receiving an intermediate fluid. The intermediate fluid circuit is arranged at the interface between the second heat pump 20 and the absorption heat transformer 20. According to this possibility, the intermediate circuit fluidly connects the absorber 22 and the evaporator of the heat pump 20. At the level of the absorption heat transformer 20, the heat exchanger is advantageously done directly at the level of the absorber 22. The absorber 22 is arranged on the intermediate circuit so that the intermediate fluid forms the source to be heated 37 of the absorber 22 for the benefit of which the refrigerant fluid gives up its thermal energy during its condensation. At the level of the second heat pump 20, the evaporator is arranged on the intermediate circuit so that the intermediate fluid forms the hot source of the evaporator providing the thermal energy to vaporize the heat transfer fluid of the heat pump 30.

For example, the first heat transfer fluid and the second heat transfer fluid are chosen from the family of hydrofluoro-olefins (HFO), known as fourth generation, such as for example R-1234yf.

Fluids from the hydrofluoroolefin family are fluorinated gases with very low global warming potential (GWP).

Example

• Hypothèses sur les performances :
  • Première pompe à chaleur 1 : ECOP (coefficient de performance) = 4
  • Transformateur de chaleur à absorption 20 : COPth = 0,6 et puissances électriques des pompes négligeables
  • Deuxième pompe à chaleur 30 : ECOP2 (coefficient de performance) = 3
  • Les pertes thermiques vers l'ambiance sont négligées
• Côté première pompe à chaleur 1 :
  • Le compresseur 3 est alimenté par 10 kWe
  • La première pompe à chaleur 1 produit 40 kW de chaleur à 80°C, en valorisant 14 kW de la source froide 7 de l'ambiance et en récupérant 16 kW au condenseur 24 du transformateur 20.
• Côté TCA 20 :
  • Il est alimenté par 40 kW de chaleur à l'évaporateur 21 et au générateur 23, il produit 24 kW de chaleur à 120°C à l'absorbeur 22.
  • Il rejette une puissance de16 kW au condenseur 24 au premier fluide caloporteur à une température vers 20°C qui est valorisée par la première pompe à chaleur 1.
• Côté deuxième pompe à chaleur 30 :
  • Le compresseur 31 est alimenté par 12 KWe pour transformer 24 kW de chaleur de 120°C en 36 kW de chaleur à 200°C
• Bilan :
  • Consommation électrique totale = 10 12 = 22 kWe
  • Chaleur produite = 36 kW
  • Taux de conversion de l'énergie utile = 36/22 = 1,6.

An example of power calculation with the coupling proposed by the present invention as illustrated in figure 2 is presented below:

• Performance assumptions:
  • First heat pump 1: ECOP (coefficient of performance) = 4
  • Absorption heat transformer 20: COPth = 0.6 and negligible electrical power of the pumps
  • Second heat pump 30: ECOP2 (coefficient of performance) = 3
  • Thermal losses to the environment are neglected
• First heat pump 1 side:
  • Compressor 3 is powered by 10 kWe
  • The first heat pump 1 produces 40 kW of heat at 80°C, by using 14 kW from the ambient cold source 7 and recovering 16 kW from the condenser 24 of the transformer 20.
• TCA 20 side:
  • It is powered by 40 kW of heat at evaporator 21 and generator 23, it produces 24 kW of heat at 120°C at absorber 22.
  • It rejects a power of 16 kW to the condenser 24 to the first heat transfer fluid at a temperature around 20°C which is exploited by the first heat pump 1.
• Second heat pump side 30:
  • Compressor 31 is powered by 12 KWe to transform 24 kW of heat at 120°C into 36 kW of heat at 200°C
• Summary:
  • Total electricity consumption = 10 12 = 22 kWe
  • Heat produced = 36 kW
  • Useful energy conversion rate = 36/22 = 1.6.

The device according to the invention thus provides a gain of 60% compared to direct heating.

• A : 20°C
• B : 25°C
• C : 85°C
• F : 80°C
• G : 80°C
• H : 70°C
• I : 80°C
• J : 70°C
• K : 100°C
• L : 120°C
• M : 205°C
• O : 20°C
• P : 15°C
• Q: 190°C
• R : 200°C

Temperature at different points of the device:

• A: 20°C
• B: 25°C
• C: 85°C
• F: 80°C
• G: 80°C
• H: 70°C
• I: 80°C
• J: 70°C
• K: 100°C
• L: 120°C
• M: 205°C
• W: 20°C
• W: 15°C
• Q: 190°C
• R: 200°C

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all the embodiments covered by the invention.

REFERENCE LISTS

• 1. First compression heat pump
• 2. First evaporator
• 3. First compressor
• 4. First condenser
• 5. First regulator
• 6. First fluidic circuit
• 7. Low temperature waste heat source
• 8. Cold spring
• 9. Cold spring
• 10. Coupling circuit
• 11. Hot spring
• 12. Hot spring
• 20. Absorption heat transformer
• 21. Second evaporator
• 22. Absorber
• 23. Generator
• 24. Second Condenser
• 25. Second fluidic circuit
• 26. Pump
• 27. Solution pump
• 28. Saver
• 29. Regulator
• 30. Second compression heat pump
• 31. Second compressor
• 32. Third condenser
• 33. Third regulator
• 34. Third fluidic circuit
• 35. Hot spring
• 37. Hot spring to heat

1. A: fluid connection between the outlet of evaporator 2 and the inlet of condenser 24
2. B: fluid connection between the outlet of condenser 24 and the inlet of compressor 3
3. C: fluid connection between the outlet of compressor 3 and the inlet of condenser 4
4. D: fluid connection between the outlet of condenser 4 and the inlet of expander 5
5. E: fluid connection between expander 5 and evaporator 2
6. F: fluidic connection between condenser 4 and fluidic connection G supplying generator 23
7. G: fluidic connection between fluidic connection F and the inlet of generator 23
8. H: fluid connection between the output of generator 23 and condenser 4
9. I: fluidic connection between fluidic connection F and the inlet of evaporator 21
10. J: fluidic connection between the outlet of evaporator 21 and fluidic connection H
11. K: fluid connection between the outlet of the expander 33 and the inlet of the absorber 22
12. L: fluid connection between the outlet of the absorber 22 and the inlet of the compressor 31
13. M: fluid connection between the outlet of compressor 31 and the inlet of condenser 32
14. N: fluid connection between the outlet of condenser 32 and the inlet of expander 33
15. O: entry of a cold source 7 into evaporator 2
16. P: outlet of a cold source 7 heated from evaporator 2
17. Q: entry of a source to be heated 35 into the condenser 32
18. R: outlet of a source to be heated 35 heated outside the condenser 32

Claims (15)

Heat production device comprising a first compression heat pump (1) comprising a first fluid circuit (6) capable of receiving a heat transfer fluid and on which are successively arranged a first compressor (3), a first condenser (4), a first expander (5) and a first evaporator (2), characterized in that the device comprises an absorption heat transformer (20) comprising a second fluidic circuit (25) capable of receiving a working solution and on which are arranged successively a second evaporator (21), an absorber (22), a generator (23) and a second condenser (24), the second condenser (24) is coupled to the first fluidic circuit (6) by being arranged on the first fluidic circuit (6) upstream of the first compressor (3) and downstream of the first evaporator (2) and that the device comprises a coupling circuit (10) capable of receiving a coupling fluid and on which the first condenser (4) is arranged successively ), the generator (23) and the second evaporator (21), the generator (23) and the second evaporator (21) being arranged in parallel on the coupling circuit (10). Device according to the preceding claim in which the coupling circuit (10) is distinct from the first fluidic circuit (6) and the second fluidic circuit (25). Device according to any preceding claim in which on the coupling circuit an output of the first condenser (4) is fluidly connected, preferably directly, to an input of the generator (23) and of the second evaporator (21), an output of the generator (23) is fluidly connected, preferably directly, to an inlet of the condenser (4) and to an inlet of the second evaporator (21), an outlet of the second evaporator (21) is fluidly connected, preferably directly, to an inlet of the first condenser (4). Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump (1) constitutes a cold source (8) of the second condenser (24) of the absorption heat transformer (20). Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a cooling source (9) of the first condenser (4) of the heat pump (1). Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a heat source (11) of the generator (23) of the absorption heat transformer (20). Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit constitutes a hot source (12) of the second evaporator (21) of the absorption heat transformer (20). Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first evaporator (2) is configured to be supplied by a low temperature cold source (7), preferably less than 20°C, more preferably less than 15°C. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second compression heat pump (30) comprising a second fluid circuit (34) capable of receiving a second heat transfer fluid and on which is successively arranged a second compressor (31), a second expander (33) and a third condenser (32), the absorber (22) being coupled to the second fluid circuit upstream of the second compressor (31) and preferably downstream of the second expander (33). Device according to the preceding claim in which the absorber (24) is arranged on the second fluid circuit downstream of the expander (31) and upstream of the compressor (31). Device according to claim 9 comprising a second intermediate circuit capable of receiving a second intermediate fluid and arranged between the absorber (22) and an evaporator arranged on the second fluid circuit downstream of the expander (33) and upstream of the compressor (31) . Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the working solution of the absorption heat transformer (20) is chosen from the couple NH ₃ /H ₂ O or H ₂ O/LiBr. Method of producing heat by a device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the coupling of the first fluid circuit of the first heat pump (1) to the absorption heat transformer (20) by the arrangement of the second condenser (24 ) on the first fluidic circuit (6) and by the coupling by the coupling circuit (10) on which the first condenser (4), the generator (23) and the second evaporator (21), the generator (23) is arranged and the second evaporator (21) being arranged in parallel on the coupling circuit (10). Method according to the preceding claim in which the first heat transfer fluid of the first heat pump (1) constitutes a cold source (8) of the second condenser (24) of the absorption heat transformer (20) by recovering the thermal energy evacuated during the condensation of the first heat transfer fluid in the second condenser (24). Method according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the coupling fluid of the coupling circuit (10) constitutes a heat source (11) of the generator (23) of the absorption heat transformer (20) by recovering the energy heat evacuated during the condensation of the first heat transfer fluid in the first condenser (4).

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