Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
Specification
The present invention relates to a heat pump system for
absorbing heat from the ambient atrnosphere, comprising
a refrigerant (freezing medium) circulation system
portion exposed to the ambient temperature and containing,
for example, freon~or frigen~as the refrigerant, as well
as a subsequently connected compressor (coloperating with
c.ontrol means, and an evaporator between which a heat
emitting portion of the refrigerant circulation system
is connected. In the following specification the term heat
pump system is intended to include all components contributing
to the overall function,which are necessary for heat
absorption, for compression and evaporation of the re-
frigerant as well as for controlled heat emission.
Conventional heat pump systems of this type operating with
an evaporation refrigerant (freezing medium), such asj for
example, Freon or Frigen or the like, include an additional
second circulation system at least in the heat emitting
portion o the primary refrigexant circulation system of the
heat pump~ From this second circulation system which operates
with custo~ary hot water circulation instead of the Freon
or Frigen being harmful to health, the heat from the pri-
mary heat pump circulation system is first transmitted to a
secondary circulation system before the heat is supplied
to the heating elernents (radiators) as such through thi.s
second circulation system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat
pump system in which the individual heating elements
(radiators) are connected directly into the primary heat
purnp circulation system, and wherein measures are taken
in order to preclude any environmental risk by the
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evapora~ion reErigerant (Freon or Frigen,etc.) both in the
reErigerant circuit portion exposed -to the environment/ and
in -the circuit portion positioned in the interior atmosphere
of -the room. At the same time, it is contemplated according
to the invention to provide a simplified construction and a
greatly increased efficiency of the heat pump system as well
as improved controllability with additionally expanded scopes
of application.
Accordingly, the present invention resides primarily in
that the heat emitting portion of the refrigerant circulation
system is Eormed as a heating section having the refrigerant
from the heat pump passing directly therethrough and emitting
heat directly to the indoor atmosphere to be heated. Further~
more, in order to prevent out10w of evaporator refrigerant in
the case of leakage in the refrigerant circulation system,
according to the present invention a leakage loss detector is
provided which, when a preset maximum leakage loss value is
exceeded, operates to open a safety valve and to initiate quick
discharge of the full volume of refrigerant into a safety
reservoir. Owing to its operating safety, the heat pump system
according to the invention may be operated even under increased
pressure.
This heat pump sys~em according to the invention not
only provides a simplified structure or construction with
increased eEfic:iency and improve controllability~ but further
provides for an additionally expanded field of use in a
particularly compact configuration lalso as a compact modul~
which may be produced as a prefabricated unit), provided that
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-this system is constructed in such a manner that it comprises
a heat absorbing surface having one side thereof exposed to
the ambient a-tmosphere and having absorber pipes secured to
its opposite side, as well as a heat emitting surface facing
with one side -thereof the indoor room to be heated and being
provided on the opposite side thereof with the heat emit-ting
heating section in the form of heating tubes (radiator ~ipes)
mounted thereto, with a heat transfer insulating space being
pro~ided between the heat absorbing and heat emitting surfaces~
In this structure, the heat emitting surface may com~
prise a pair of layers which define between them hollow spaces
for passing the refri~eran-t there-throughO
In this configuration~ the heat pump system may be
characterized in that it is designed as a compact and self-
supporting, self-contained installation or wall ~panel) element
: having given square and/or volume dimensions, wherein the heat
transfer insulating space :is filled or packed with a preferably
twc-dimensionally or thre~-dimensionally st~b~e thermal
insulation material, :Eor e~ample, styropor (expanded poly-
styrene) or polyurethane~
Herebyr especially the compressor may be positioned
interiorly oE the heat transfer-insulated spacing between the
heat absorbin~ and emitting surfaces, and the installation
element (module) or wall element alone may be connected
through an electrical connection for the installed compressor.
; Owing to the mutually facing positioning of the heat
absorbing and heat emitting surfaces, and due to the inter-
position of the heat producing compressor, a recovery of the
heat losses which are normally present in the prior art, can
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be obtained -to a substantial degreeO
In thi.s configuration, the heat pump system according
-to the invent:Lon may be installed~ Eor instance, also in
containers~ caravans, freight wagons and primarily as a wall-
mounted element.
In order to preclude a pressure balance from the
condenser to the compressor and the resulting heat or thermal
loss particularly in the shutdown periods caused by the
control function, still further according to the present
invention a check valve opening in the flow direction is each
connected into the refrigerant circulation system at the up~
stream and downstream sides of: the compressor~ and a signal-
controlled solenoid valve is connected upstream of the
expansion valve, as seen in flow direction~
However, in order to, on the other hand, remedy icing
condition of the evaporator on the exterior side of the
building by means of the heat refrigerant, a by-pass .line
including a solenoid valve may be arranged in parallel with
the expansion valve and the (first) solenoid valve. This
structure also allows to improve the efficiency of the
compressorO
According to a further im~roved embodimen , downstream
of the compressor and upstream of the subsequently connected
check valve/ as seen in Elow direction,,a safety receiving
reservoir is connected to the refrigerant circulation system,
and upstream of said reservoir a solenoid valve is provided,
while another solenoid valve is positioned upstream of said
check valve. These
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solenoid valves are adapted to be operated in response
to a leakage indication signal, whereby one o~ said
solenoid val~es is closed and the solenoid valve
upstream o the reservoir is opened~ Xn this way, the
compressor in a m~nimum period Qf time removes the
refrigexant from the refrigerant circui~ section
When the room temperature control valvês of each heating
element (radiator) of the heating section are mounted to
the oùtlet o the hea~ing element, there are further
obtained markedly improved safety and even improved
startup oharacteristics o the compressor, because a
large compressible volume is constantly present on the
compression,side. This feature allows to reduce the
diameter of the return pipeO
As another safety measure at the side of the indoor room
circuit, according to the invention the heating tubes
(radiator pipes) of the heating elements (radiators~ are
provided with a safety jacket or casing in leakproof
fashion. In this instance, a further circulation system
is not established; rather, ,the heating tubes are mer ly
shrouded or encased. This may be effected.in such a manner
that the safety jacket comprises a jacket or casing tube
arranged coaxially with respect to the hèating tube;
in this'instance, a space may be provided between the
heating tube and the jacket tube, which space is filled
wit~ a medium having a high heat transfer capacity, such
as water. Also, a plurality of coils of the heater
pipe may be enclosed in a common safety jacket or
casiny which is filled with a medium of good heat transfer
capacity. ~ikewise, it is possible to enclose the heating
pipes in liquid and gas tight fashion in a highly heat-
conducting body of, for example, ceramic material or
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concrete, as a safety jacket or enclosure. The thus
formed heater element or radiator al.so offers the ad~
vantage o:E a high heat storing capacity, and it may be
provided also with a surface of high heat radiation
capacity. As an auxiliary safety measure, there may
be provided a pressure switch responsive to a pressure
increase between the heater pipe and the safety jacket,
which switch, as a leakage indicator,.provides a signal
to the refrigerant circuit control.
Owing to the immense structural simplification of the
heat pump system, and primarily also due to the high
degree of leakproofness provided thereby as well as
the resulting smaller pipe cross-sections, it becomes
possible to include into the heat utilizing system
also smaller construction areas of a house, such as
e.g. fences, roofs, gutters, windows, window sills
and doors..
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Independent hereof, the heat exchanger for a window
or a door or the like also may beequipped with a small
heat pump being independent of a central system.
According to the invention, a system of this type for
utilizing the heat losses from windows or doors may
be characterized by an outer, second window pane mounted
in said window frame with a pacing from the (first)
pane, an air inta~e opening or port provided at the lower
edge of the window frame and opening from the outer
side into the space between the two panes, a heat exchanger
positioned at the upper edge of the window frame within
an air supply duct as a continuation of the air exhaust
side of the space between the two panes, said heat
: exchanger absorbing heat ~rom the inflowing air and
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includes heat exchanging elements within a room air ex-
haust duct situated above the air supply duct, with the
heat flow of both ducts, in combination with each other,
being connected to the same heat excharlger.
Double utilization of the heat exchanger surface (area)
is realized when the exhaust duct and the air supp~y
duct are separated from each other by ~a heat conducting
partition which at the same time acts as a heat exchanger
surface. This construction at the same time provides
for improved utilization of the exhaust air heat and
for improvement of the room air quality.
Still further, alternatively the exhaust air duct may be
adapted to be connected to the air supply duct or
to the room air via an overflow opening r and a fan
may be provided in the region above the air supply duct.
Likewise, according to the invention the refrigerant
cirsulation section exposed to the ambient atmosphere
may be further protected with a view to a safety cover,
namely in combination with a front or facade wall
designed to be readily manufactured and assembled and
which at the same time provides for ~urther improvement
of the utiliæation of heat.
Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention
are explained in greater detail by referring to the
enclosed drawings, wherein: -
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the heat pump systemaccording to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a
wall element according to the invention;
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Figure 3 is a schematic view of a radiator ox heating
element;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heating tube
(radiator pipe) of the radiator element according to
~igure 3;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective illustration of
a part of a radiator having paired enoapsulated or
.encased heating tubes;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 and showing a
part of a radiator ha~ing a plurality of encased heating
tubes;
Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a window
designed in accordance with the invention and including
a separate heat exchanger portion, which window may form
part of the heat pump system of the lnvention;
Figure 7a is a part section of Figure 7 in a different
operative position;
Figure 8 is a sectional view of an outer wall of a house,
having an air collector mounted to the outer side thereof;
Figure 9 is an enlarged part ~iew of the portion enclosed
by the circle IX in Figure 8;
Figures 10 to 12 are illustrations of a preferred embodi-
ment for the mounting of (facade) facings to a heat
absorbiny pipe system;
/show
Figures 12a and 12b further modified embodiments of
mounting sections for roof elem~nts;
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Figure 13 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
a compressor;
Figure 14 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of
a compressor;
Figure 15 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of
a compressor;
Figure 16 is a schematic view of a modified embodiment of
an air collector;
Figure 17 and 18 are schematic views of alternative
embodiments of an air collector; and
Figure 19 is a schematic presentation of the mounting of
a pipe conducting the heat exchanging medium in a heat
absorbing facade ~front wall) pipeline sys-tem.
According to Figures 1 and 2, the heat pump system includes
a heat absorbing section 22 of the refrigerant circuits
which, as shown in Figure 2, is in contact with the
ambient atmosphere through a heat absorbing surface 1.
The heat absorbing surface 1 may be provided with deaorations
or other turbulence elements 27 which also provide for
retarded draining of rain water, for example. The inner
face of the heat absorbing surface 1 has secured there-
to evaporator pipes 2. Within a spacing 23 from the inner
face of the heat absorbing surface 1 which establishes
a heat transfer insulation, heating pipes 5 are mounted
in a similar manner, which pipes are secured to the
inner face of a heat emitting surface 4. The heat
emitting surface 4 also may be textured for more uniform
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heat emission. The surfaces 1, 4 and the evaporator
and heating pipes 2 and 5, respectively, are formedlfor
example, of capper, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
The heat transfer insulating spacing 23 is packed or
foamed with a thermal insulation material 3 consisting
of Styropor (expanded polystyrene) or the like.
Between the heat absorbing portion 22'and the heat
emitting portion or section 25 of the refrigerant circu-
lation system forming the heating elements or radiators
24 which comprise heating (radiator) tubes 5 and a heat
emitting surface 4 only, a refrigerant compressor 8 is
connected the output of which is controlled by a
pressure and/or temperature sensor 7, with such control
being effected either when given test values are exceeded
in positive or negative direction, or in continuous
manner alternatively.
Connected subsequently to the portion 25 is an expansion
valve 9 through which the refrigerant, e.g. Frigen or
Freon, is cooled to be returned into the heat absorbing
refrigerant circuit portion 22.
The refrigerant circulation system may be controlled ~y
a three-way valve 6 which operates as a radiator regulator
and which depending on its setting either in the case of
~ull heating capacity - conducts the re~rigerant into the
heating tubes 5 via a bypass conduit 26/ or - with the
heating capacity shut down - bypasses the heating tubes
5 to supply the refrigerant directly to the expansion
valve 9. This operation does not affect the refrigerant
circulation system. However, when the h~ating tubes
kadiator pipes~ axe bypassed, this system is initially
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heated to an increased degree until the compressor 8
is deactivated by the sensor 7 when the maximum preset
pressure and~or temperature values are exceeded. When
the three-way valve 6 is in an intermediate position,
corresponding parts of the refrigerant flow through
the heating tubes 5 and through the bypass conduit 26.
The heating devices may be positioned within the heat
transfer insulating spacing 23 so that only an electric
connection need be provided therefor.
Upstream and downstream of the compressor 8 there may
be disposed in the refrigerant circulation system
respective check valves l8, 19 opening in flow direction,
and a signal-controlled solenoid valve 20 may be arra~ged
upstream of the expansion valve 9, as seen in flow
direction. Still further and preferably, downstream
o the compressor 8 and upstream of the check valve 19
connected subsequent to the compressor, a safety
~reception) reservoir 21 is connected to the
refrigerant circulation system. In response to a leakage
signal, another solenoid valve 21b closes, and a third
solenoid valve 21a opens the conduit to the safety
reservoir 21.
During shutdown conditions of compressor ~ caused,
for example,by control functions, the solenoid valve 20
closes in order to prevent a pressure balance and, thus
heat ouflow to section 22.
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In add.ition to the heat absorbing section 22, still further
heat absorbing elementsmay be provided, for example an
evaporator 12 positioned above a window 10 ~or alternatively
above a door) within an air intake opening 11. With
decreasing temperat~re within the circuit portion 22,
the pressure existing in this conduit portion drops,
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thereby to operate a pressure cylinder 14 to close the
~ir intake openings 11 so as to inkerrupt the air
outflow to the atmosphere.
As an alternative embodiment, in order to protect the
heat pump system against significant leakage in the
refrigerant system, suction lines 30 and 31 may be
connected to the two circuit sections 22 and 2~, respectively.
A leakage 105s detector 32 constantly senses whether
any significant leakages exist. If leakage occurs, the
leakage loss detector 32 operates a safety valve 33
through which all of the refrigerant may be discharged
into a safety reservoir 34 via the suction lines 30
and 31, respectively; such discharge may be effected,
for example, by a high-speed pump or by a suficient,
given vacuum volume defined within the reservoir.
As shown in ~igure 3, room temperature control valves 37
of each radiator 36 of the heating area 24 (see ~igure 1)
are mounted to the outlet 38 of the radiator 36. In this
way, the various radiators of the heating area 24 may
be controlled indi~idually.
As a ~urther safety feature on the side of the indoor
circulation systèm, the heating tubes 40 of the radiators
36 are encased within a safety jacket 41 in leakproof
fashion. According to Figure 4, the safety jacket 41
comprises a shroud orjacket tube 42 mounted coaxially
with respect to the heating pipe 40. The space 43
defined between the heating pipe 40 and the jacket
tube 42 is filled with a medium of a high heat trans-
mission coefficient, such as water.
As shown in Figures 5 and 6~ a plurality of coils of the
heating tubes (radiator pipes) 40 are shrouded by a
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common safety jacket or envelope 44, with the space
43 being filled with a medium of good heat transmittin~
capacity, such as, for example, water again. The
heating tubes 40 are embedded in fluid-tight and
gas-tight fashion in the safety envelope 44~ The
safety envelope has connected thereto a pressure
switch responsive to a pressure increase, which switch
provides an in~ication of refrigerant' leaked into the
safety envelope, and furnishes leakage indication
signal to the above-descri~ed refrigerant circuit
control.
Vn their visible sides, the radiators 36 pre~erab:Ly
may be lined with a layer of good heat radiating capacity,
such as ceramic panels or tiles; alternatively, they
may be cast into concrete.
Figures 7 and 7a show a preferred embodiment of a
window as a heat absorbing element which may be used
also independently of the above-described heat pump
system. The window is mounted in a building wall 58
and comprises a window frame 59, an inner insulating
glass pane 56 and an outer pane 57. The lower edge .
of the window frame 59 is provided with an air
intake opening 54 leading from the exterior into the
space 55 between the two window panes 56 and 57. Air
is exhausted through an air supply duct 53 leading
outwards from the space 55 between the two window
panes 56, 57 at the upper edge of the window frame 59.
Disposed in this air supply duct is a heat exchanger
60 to remove heat absorbed by the air flowing through
the space 55. In the embodiment shown, the air supply
duct 53 opens to the interior 51 of the room. By means
of a fan or blower 28, the exterior air flowing in
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is passed through the heat exchanger 60 in the operational
position shown in Figure 7, and returned to the extexior
through an ovexflow opening 17 via the exhaust air duct
50. In the operational position of Pigure 7a, the air
is bypassed by means of a double d~nper 47, whereby
inside air may be exhausted and fresh air enters the
room. The relatively warm exhaust a:ir from the indoor
room 51 is discharged to the outer air 49 through an
exhaust air duct 50 passing below the ceiling of the
xoom throug~ the room wall 58.
.
~he exhaust air duct 50 and the air supply duct 53 have
each disposed therein heat exchanger elements - such as
e.g. heat exchanger surfaces 60b and 60a, respectively -
which are associated with, i.e. connected to, a heat
exchanger 60 common to both ducts.
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In the emboaiment shown, the respective heat exchanger
surfaces 60a and 60b are designed so that the surfaces
60a absorb the heat of the air stream flowing to the
indoor room 51 through the air supply duct 53, while at
~he same time absorbing the heat from the air flowing
through the exhaust air duct 50, to return the heat
for utilization by the room heating system through a
not illustratea compressor.: Thus, the heat ex-
changer makes use of the two oppositely flowing air
~treams at the same time, with the air which enters the
indoor room 51 through the air supply duct 53 descending, m
as contemplated, along the glass pane 56 ~ig. 7a~.
Double use is made of the heat exchanger 60. In this
construction, the two air streams may be separated by
a common partîtion 61 only.
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When the air is deflected downwards from the room
exhaust air duct (50), in the mGst simple way by
a roller blind, then this air at least in part is
recirculated to the air inlet port 54.
The above-described window according to Figures
7 and 7a is particularly useful as an extra heat
absorbing element of the heat pump system shown
in Figure 1; however, it may be independently
installed afterwards into existing building,
especially buildingshaving large si~e glass ronts.
In such installation, it is also possible to combine
a compact radiator according to ~igure 2 with the above-
mentioned window.
Preferably, the.heat exchanger surfaces 60a and 60b, name-
ly the whole heat exchanger assembly associated with
. ~he window, are arranged in the upper part of the
; window fram 59 or in the upper part of the sash rame.
Thus, the window including the heat exchanger constitutes
a self-contained assembly unit (module~.'
As shown in Figure 7a, it is also possible to use further
e~aporator pipes 2 in a window sill, embèdded into
insulating materlal 3.
A particuIarly efficient embodiment of the heat absorbing
section 22 of the heat pump system of Figure 1 is con~
stituted by the air collectors according to Figures 8
to 12. These air collectors comprise, as seen from the
outer to the.inner side, a (facade~ facing 81, a heat
absorbing pipeline system 80 having flowing therethrough
a heat exchanging medium or the refrigerant used in the
heat pump system according to Figure 1, and a heat insu-
lating layer 89. This facing is mounted to the outer
side of a building wall 85.
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The heat absorbing pipeline system 80 comprises a plurality
of horizontally extending separate pipes 92 which are
arranyed with a spacing from each other in parallel with
the building wall 85 and which are interconnected to form
a closed pip~ coil.
The separate pipes 92 are each provided with a pa.ir of
mounting flanges 93, 94 which are disposed on opposite
sides of each pipe in an approximately 'tangential position
so as to extend in parallel with each other. The separate
pipes 92 are mounted to the building wall 85 through
the respectively lower mounting flanges t with the aid
of wall dowels 87. The facing 81 (of the front or
facade wall) is mounted to the upper mounting flanges
93. Accordingly, the pipeline system 80 constitutes
the supporting structure of the facing 81 or a roofing
shown in Figures 12a and 12b.
''In the embodiment shown, the facing 81 is composed of a
plurality of facing elements 95 spaced from the building
wall 85 and from the heat insulating layer 89 (or roof
elements 1O7). Preferably, these facing elements are
formed of weather-resisting aluminum. The facing elements
95 each have a downwardly.opening, approximately wedge-
shaped recess 96 defining, in the mounted condition,
an inner flange portion 90 extending approximately parallel
to the building wall, with the upper edge of the respective-
ly lower facing element heing slid into this recess 96.
The flange portions 90 of the facing elements 95 are each
secured to the upper and outer mounting flanges 93 of the
separate pipes 92 as shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Screws 86 are used to connect these two flanges. As shown
in Figure 9, the lower edge of each facing element 95 has,
in cross-section, the shape of a mirror-image "Z". Owing
to this configuration, the facing elements 95, among other
things, show some elasticity in a direction normal to the
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ront or facade wall~
The inner wedge or gusset 98 defined by the recess 96 in
the lower portion of each facing element 95 has its lower
end provided with not illustrated openings for the draining
of condensed water and for the ventilation of the space
99 which is defined by the facing elements 9S and the
horizontally extending separate pipes 92 on the one hand,
and the heat insulating layer 89 on the other hand. For
th~r~ugh ventilation or aeration of the spaces 99, the
flanges 90 and optionally also the flanges 93 of the separate
pipes 92 are preferably provided with perforations. These
perforations are of importance particularly when the
spaces 99 communicate with the indoor rooms of the building
through exhaust air ducts or passages ~for instance,
the exhaust air duct 50 of Figure 7).
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The above-described embodiment including the mounting
flanges 93 has been found to be particularly advantageous
for the reason that the flanges 93 connected to the
facing 81 form heat (thermal) bridges of large surface
area. By this structure, a relatively large quantity
of heat per unit of time may be absorbed from the
facing elements 95.
Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a somewhat modified embodiment
of the facing elements and their structure for mounting
to the separate pipes 92 of the heat absorbing pipeline
system. The facing elements are identified by numeral
95'. Fixing of the facing elements 95' to the mounting
flange~ 93 of the separate pipes 92, which flanges extend
upwards approximately in parallel with the building
wall, is effected by means of clip configurations 108
each attached to the upper edges o the facing elements;
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preferably, the entire upper edge of the facing
elements is formed as an inwardly bent spring clip
element. In a similar manner, roof elements 95"
may be formed which are adapted to be secured to a
pipeline system which may be formed also as a U-section
and which is mounted to the roof of a building in a man-
mer corresponding to the front wall pipeline system 80
~compare Figures 10 and 11). The lower edge of each
facing element 95 ' and of each roof element 95",
reSpectively~ is formed with a cap-like configuration
and adapted to be slid or moved down from above so as
to co~er the clip configuration 108. Preferably, the
lower, cap-shaped edge is formed by a downwardly opening
U-section 119 arranged slightly above the lower boundary
of the facing element 95' or of the roof element 95",
respectively, and also slightly displaced inwards relative
to the outermost end face of this element. Preferably,
the open width between the two legs of the U-section
119 is dimensioned suc~ that this U-section may be slid
upon or onto the clip configuration 108 with a low degree
of (deforming) strain. This construction ensures secure
fit of the facing elements 95' or roo~ element~ 95"
relative to each other and to the supporting structure
formed by the pipes 92~ Furthermore, attachment of
the facing elements 95' or roof elements 95" can be
effected in the most simple way conceivable without
requiring any special tools to this end. Disassembling
can be made in a similarly easy manner.
As shown in Figure 11, the mountin~ or connecting flanges
of the separate pipes 92 may all extend in the same direction.
The arrangement or direction, respectively, of the mounting
flanges 93, 94 depends on the method of mounting to a
building wall or to the roof 100 of a building, respectively.
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Still further, ~iguxe 10 illustrates a highly advantageous
mode of integration of a gutter 109 illtO the system as
described above. With the aid of the described clips 10~,
the gutter 109 is engaged with, and attached to, the pipe
92 of the heat absoxbing roof pipeline system adjacent
to the edge of the roof, in a manner corresponding to the
facing elements 95' or roof elements 95". In this way,
it is possible to utilize for building ~eating purposes
also the heat contained in the rain water.
The pipe retaining and mounting sections ~profiles)
as shown in Figures 12a and 12b are suitable to retain
simultaneously both the individual pipes 2 and the roofing
elements, while ensuring good heat transfer.
The above-described air collector is easy to assemble and
o simple construction. Installation to existing buildings
can be made without difficulty. Also, the air collector
may be combined with the heat pump system according
to Figure 1 in a particularly e~fective manner.
Preferably, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the air collector
may comprise the following elements, as seen ~rom the
outside to the inside:
- Facing 81;
- heat absorbing pipeline system 80 having flowing therethrough
a heat exchanging medium or re~igerant;
- aluminum mounting strip 83;
- heat (thermal? insulating layer 89;
- aluminium foil 83; and
- as a heat emitting section 25 through heating pipes 5
according to Figure 1, a pipeline system disposed in
direct contact with the outer side of the building wall 85.
In this way, this heat emitting pipeline system acts to
heat the building wall 85 from the outer side
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In the embodiment shown, a heat absorbing pipeline
subsystem and a heat emitting pipeline subsys~em which
are connected in parallel with each other, may be
associated each with specific wall portions or areas
of the building. In this way, it is possible, for
example, to heat only selected rooms by heating the
respec~ive building wall or walls. In particular, the
high heat storing effect of the buildi~g wall facilitates
the increased utili2ation of night rate power periods.
As a compressor for the above-described heat pump
system (Figures 13 to 15), there is used preferably
a reciprocating (piston-type~ machine in which driving
and compressor pistons are positioned within a closed
cylinder space and integrated to form a twin piston
such that a system closed to the exterior is formed.
By combustion in the driving portion of the cylinder
or by pressurized steam, the dual-function (twin)
e piston is moved to the power (working) side to produce
a compression stroke or to displace liquids or gases
The advantages of a reciprocating machine or compressor
of this type reside particulary in the fact that the
energy released by the explosion pressure or steam
pressure is directly converted into usefui energy without
the interposition of energy-consuming components, such as
anti-friction bearings, drive shafts, transmission gears,
etc. In these respects, the compressor, too, contributes
to increasing the efficiency of the heat pump system
according to the invention.
Still further, the compact construction contributes to the
recovery of waste heat produced in the combustion process
or by the steam pressure. Owing to the highly economical
construction (no anti-friction bearings, drive shafts,
transmission parts), the manufacturing costs of the piston-
type compressor machine are relatively low, too.
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3~ s~ e
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Another advantage resides in the design without components
subject to wear, which results in a greatly extended
~operational life as compared to conventional compressor
constructions.
The embodiment of a reciprocating compressor as shown in
Figure 13 comprises four twin pistons Ç2, 63 adapted to
reciprocate in associated cylinders. Displacement of the
twin pistons takes place under the explosion of, for
~nstance, a fuel-air mixture wi-thin the combustion
chambers 64 associated with the twin pistons. The com-
bustion chambers 64, same as the respective~y oppositely
arranged power chambers 65, are provided with cam~
controlled valves 66. The fuel-air mixture in the
combustion chambers 64 is ignited by sparkplugs 67. The
four twin pistons are interconnected by a common connecting
rod 68, such that these pistons can be reciprocated
together only. The connecting rod 68 is operatively
connected to an output mechanism. The twin pistons
62, 63 are continuously reciprocated by the
alternating explosions of the uel-air mixture which
take place in the oppositely positioned combustion
chambers 64. ~ereby, the operating medium existing
within the power chambers 65 is compressed in a timed
sequence. When the above-described machine is used as
a compressor in the heat pump system according to
Figure 1, the operating (working) medium, naturally,
comprises the heat exchanging medium used in said system.
In the emhodiment shown in Fig. 14, the twin pistons are
reciprocated by means of steam which is produced in a
separate steam generator or boiler 69. The power chambers
of the machine according to ~igure 14 are again identi-
fied by numeral 65. The steam produced in the steam
boiler 69 is introduced under pressure and in timed
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succession into the respective chambers 70 on the opposite
sies of the power chambers, in such a manner that the
~ower and upper chambers 70 a.re alternatingly fed with
steam. This aga.in results in the above-described reci-
procating motion of the twin pistons 62,63. As for the
rest,the mode of functioning of the reciprocating compressor
according to Figure 14 is the same as that of the
reciprocating compressor of Figure 13. ~
The embodiment according to Figure 15 differs from the
embodiments described above only by the fact that the twin
pistons ~re each formed by a pair of individual or separate
pistons which are interconnected by a rigid connecting
rod 71. The separate pistons have each associated there-
with closed cylinders.
Figures 16 to 19 schematically illustrate another highly
advantageous front wall or facing element for an air
collector, which on the one hand greatly facilitates
mounting of the conductor pipes of the pipeline system
in combination with the facing element, and which on the
other hand ensures a permanently intimate heat conduct~ion
contact by utili~ing the (dead) weight of especially
~he facing element and/or, alternatively, of the heat
conductor pipes. The facing elements 118, 121 are mounted
to the building wall 85 by means of bolts 123. Each facing
element 118 is formed with an elongated, preferably
strip-like configuration, so as to extend substantially
across the full width of a building wall 85. One longitudi-
nal edge or long side of each ~acing element 118 is
provided with a recess 126 for receiving therein. a
hèat conductor pipe 92 of the type as described above.
~ccording to the cross-sectional view of the facing
: element 118 as shown in ~igure 16, the recess 126 is
formed to conform to the exterior contours of the heat
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conductor pipe 92, such that the inner contour ~surface)
o~ the recess 1~6 straddling the heat conductor pipe 92
i5 in intim~t~ contact wl~h the latter, preferably also
with a certain degree of bias in order to ensure good
heat transfer contact therewith~
Besides, the free opening 116 of the recess 126 is
distinctly smaller (in width) than the o~uter diameter of
the heat conductor pipe 92, such that when the heat con-
ductor pipe 92 is inserted into the recess t this opening
is expanded, to thereafter resiliently return to almost
the original width under the inherent eleasticity of the
material of the facing element 11~ when the heat conductor
pipe has been inserted. Furthermore, due to a pressure~
resistant sectional or profiled portion 113 of the facing
element 118, the opening 116 is directed towards the
wall 85 with a certain component (of force) such that the
heat conductor pipe 92 is thereby retained by a gravity
component acting towards wall 85. This support is further
promoted especially by the fact that the sectional
portion 113 urges the facing element's 118 own weight
towards the wall 85, particularly as the secure mounting
of the facing element 118 to the building wall 85 is
effected through a strap edge 132 mounted by bolts 123
and disposed on the side of the opening 116 opposite
the sectional or profiled portion 113. Thus, the full
weight of the facing element 118, being su~ported through
the heat conductor pipes 92, functions to promote the
contact between the heat conductor pipe and the facing
element 11~.
In addition, each respectively second adjoining longitudi-
nal edge side 130 may be formed with such a configuration
that it, on the one hand, engages in an oblique position
under the sectional portion 113 - so as to be simultaneously
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retained with positive engagement -, and, on the ~ther
hand, at least partially covers the opening 116, thereby
also abutting against the heat conductor pipe.
According to Fiyure 17, the upper longituclinal ed~e or
side 131 at least partially surrounds the heat conductor
pipe 92 with a tongue 133 extending around the heat
conductor pipe within the recess 127, this resulting
in both increased heat transfer contact and in additional
fixing of each facing element 121 on its upper edge.
In the embodiment according to Figure 1B, the wall facing
element 122 has a tongue-like bent resilient portion
112 adjacent the strap edge 132, which resilient portion
defines together with the outer wall of the facing
element 122 a recess 128 for recei.ving the heat conductor
pipe 92, with the opening of such recess again being .
smaller in dimension than the diameter of the heat
conductor pipe 920 During installation, the heat conductor
pipe 92 is pressed into the recess 128 through the
upwardly facing opening 114.
' .
Whereas according to Figures 16 and 17 it is primarily
the ~dead) weight of the facing elements 118 and 121 that
increases and maintains the contact of the heat conductor
pipe 92 with the inner side of the recess 126 and 127,
respectively, in the embodiment according to Figure 18
this contact is provided by the weight of the heat
conductor pipe 92 resting on the resilient portion 112.
The respective upper longitudinal e~ge 110 of the next
lower facing element 122 may engage into the resilient
portion 112 in tongue-like fashion, thereby to Xulfill
the requisite supporting function and additionally
to intensi~y the resilient action of this resilient portion.
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Aeration slots 125 and vent holes 129 are provided for
the venting of the facing elements 118, 121 and 122,
respect.ively.
In the embodiment described above, during mounting the
heat conductor pipes 92 are preferably pressed into the
recesses 126, 127 or 128 in the ~rm of continuous, sub-
stantially integral plpes by means of ~ roller pressing
tool 124 (Figure 19), and each bent at their ends in such
a way that they may be assembled as endless pipes
in the adjoining, next lowerwall facing elements 118~
121 or 122. In this way, assembly may be performed :Ln
most easy manner in the case of elongated elements,
and the endless heat conductor pipes may be used both
on the outer front face of the house and as interi.or
heating coils.
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