Modular multi-energy thermodynamic device

Abstract

A system for simultaneously producing electricity, water at a first temperature, water at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and water at a third temperature greater than the second temperature. The system can also optionally simultaneously provide a refrigerating fluid at a first evaporation temperature, and the refrigerating fluid at a second evaporation temperature.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention concerns a system or device of modular design comprising at least one module generating electric current and one or more modules from the following types: heat or refrigeration pumps or mixed heat / refrigeration pump modules, enabling the simultaneous production of hot water, for example for heating buildings, very hot water, for example domestic hot water, cold water, for example for air conditioning, optionally refrigerating fluid, typically for refrigeration, and optionally electricity.PRIOR ART[0002]Systems are known composed of heat pumps actuated by internal combustion engines and using a steam-compression refrigeration cycle. The patent application EP 1 628 096 (LG Electronics Inc) describes such a system. These systems have been in common use in Japan for several years for air conditioning (cooling) in summer and heating in winter for buildings such as office premises or hotels, and the simultaneous production of domestic hot water. T...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024]The system of the invention is modular in construction and makes it possible to connect together several complex modules, in particular cogeneration and thermodynamic, while simplifying the interfaces in order to obtain a unitary or single-piece assembly, preferably easily transportable by lorry. Thus the complexity of the design is concentrated inside the modules, the interfaces between modules being simplified to the maximum possible extent. The modules preferably have frames of identical height and width for connection to each other by suitable mechanical connection means.

[0025]This provides a standardization of the components, a reduction in the purchase costs of the components by increasing volumes, a reduction in the development time and a simplification of production.

Problems solved by technology

However, one of the major drawbacks of the systems is that the heat pump cannot function correctly by taking the necessary heat from the air when the external temperature is less than approximately 10° C. since this causes frosting of the evaporator.

), the drawback being in this case that water at very high temperature is no longer produced and the overall efficiency of the system becomes fairly low.

Moreover, the existing systems have powers limited to maximum values of around 75 kW since they use car engines of limited power and refrigeration components also not making it possible to function at higher powers.

Another drawback of the existing systems is that the sizing thereof must be adapted to the specific requirements of the user for water at different temperatures.

The systems according to the prior art firstly lack flexibility as to use thereof.

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