|
(11) | EP 2 787 288 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Apparatus and process for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water |
| (57) An apparatus (1) and a relative process for air conditioning and for production of
hot sanitary water comprising a conditioner (2) associated to a room (100) to be conditioned
and comprising a first section (2a) having a first inlet opening (5) for air from
outside and at least a first outlet opening (6) of air towards outside, a second section
(2b) having at least a second inlet opening (7) for air from inside the room (100)
to be conditioned and at least a second outlet opening (8) for conditioned air towards
the inside of the room, a first heat exchanger (9) associated to the first section
(2a) and configured for exchanging heat between a first air flow and a cooling fluid
passing in the first exchanger (9); a second heat exchanger (11) associated to the
second section (2b) and configured for exchanging heat between a second air flow and
the cooling fluid, a first circuit (13) for circulation of the cooling fluid, associated
to the first and second section. The apparatus comprises electrical and electronic
control means (15) for controlling and/or commanding functioning of the apparatus
and electrical and electronic control means (15) for controlling and/or commanding
functioning of the apparatus and interconnecting means (16) coupled to the first circulating
circuit (13) of the cooling fluid and being couplable to a second circulating circuit
(17) of the cooling fluid, which supplies cooling fluid to a third heat exchanger
(18) that is a part of a third section (2c). The electrical and electronic control
means (15) command the interconnecting means (16) and the regulating means (26) so
as to selectively make the first circuit independent from or connected to the second
circuit, and to selectively carry the circulation of the cooling fluid in the first
(13) and second circuit (17) so as to transfer a quantity of heat from the first heat
exchanger (9) to the second (11) and/or the third heat exchanger (18) or directly
from the third heat exchanger.
|
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water. In greater detail, the apparatus comprises an air conditioner able to condition (or climate-control) a determined room to which it is associated, and further comprises means enabling the apparatus to produce sanitary hot water (typically denoted in the sector using the initials "ACS").
[0002] In the field of the present invention, the term "conditioning" is taken in general to mean the selection, modification, regulation and/or control, typically continuous over time, of the temperature and the humidity of the air in a room.
[0003] Air conditioners are known that are destined for residential, commercial or industrial applications. The known conditions are provided with a condenser group and an evaporator group, with relative heat-exchange batteries with a cooling fluid or exchangers, electro-ventilators, compressor, electric and/or electronic control units, etc. The known conditioners can be of the single-block type, i.e. they incorporate in a single frame both the condenser group and the evaporator group, or can be of the type known as "split", i.e. made up of two distinct frames, of which a first houses the condenser group and is typically installed outside the environment to be conditioned, while the second houses the evaporator group and is located internally of the environment to be conditioned.
[0004] An example of a single-block conditioner is disclosed in international patent number WO 0107837, in the name of the present Applicant. The two batteries or exchangers of the conditioner can alternatively operate as a condenser battery or evaporator battery according to whether the conditioner functions as cooler or in heat pump mode for heating the air in the room to be conditioned. In particular a first battery or exchanger, which exchanges heat with an external air flow, functions as a cooling fluid condenser during cooling of the room in which the conditioner is installed, while it functions as an evaporator during the heat pump functioning and therefore during the heating of the room, while the second battery, which exchanges heat with the air flow internally of the room to be conditioned, functions always in the opposite mode to the first battery.
[0005] Also known are apparatus for production of hot sanitary water, i.e. apparatus able to suitably heat a quantity of water (in arrival from the municipal water supply and therefore at low or average temperature) with the aim of providing hot water for sanitary use, i.e. for use in bathrooms (shower, wash basin etc.), kitchens (sink, dishwasher etc.) or other users which include the use of water typically in contact with persons.
[0006] The sanitary hot water is typically contained in storage tanks, in such a way as to be available at the moment of demand by a user; the tanks are typically associated to a heat exchanger of an apparatus for production of hot sanitary water, which exchanger enables heating the water contained in the tank. The exchanger can for example comprise a serpentine in which heated cooling fluid flows or constituted by an electrical resistance, which transfers heat to the water so as to increase the temperature thereof. The known apparatus for hot sanitary water act, in substance, as a heat pump acting perpetually in heating mode, so as to provide heat to the water to be heated.
[0007] Also known are apparatus which integrate functions both of air conditioning and water heating for sanitary hot water: for example, it is possible for a single apparatus to condition one or more rooms of a building and at the same time provide the heat required for heating the water circulating in the sanitary water (for example, providing hot cooling fluid to a storage tank located in a boiler room or in another room of the building).
[0008] The Applicant has found that the known apparatus for air conditioning and for the production of hot sanitary water are not free of drawbacks and can be improved in various ways, in particular with reference to the management of heat flows and overall energy consumption linked to the use thereof combined in conditioning and production of hot sanitary water.
[0009] In fact the known apparatus are characterised by a single circuit of cooling fluid in a closed loop circuit which connects the various devices of the apparatus in series, i.e. the air conditioner (or more than one conditioner) and possibly a module for the production of hot sanitary water. In this configuration, the cooling fluid always flows through the whole circuit, independently of which devices are effectively in use (for example, the conditioner or the ACS production module might not be in use) and independently of the functioning modes. In greater detail, in summer and in winter the functioning mode of the conditioner changes, functioning - respectively - as a refrigerator and as a heat pump - while the functioning mode of the production module of hot sanitary water, which functions constantly in heating mode (to heat a quantity of water).
[0010] All of the above determines a non-optimal functioning of the apparatus, due both to the considerable length of the cooling fluid circuit (up to tens of metres internally of a dwelling or a business), which introduces considerable load loss (in terms of heat transported) in the cooling fluid, and to the fact that the whole, and only circuit, is always flowed through entirely by the cooling fluid, even when one or more of the devices connected to the circuit is not active.
[0011] In general, the known apparatus are typically characterised by a low energy efficiency and by a high energy consumption, even when not all the devices connected to the circuit of cooling fluid are operative.
[0012] In this situation, a technical task of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus and a process for air conditioning and for the production of hot sanitary water which are able to substantially obviate one or more of the above-cited drawbacks. A particular technical aim of the present invention in and aspect is to disclose an apparatus for air conditioning and for the production of hot sanitary water which can reduce the overall energy consumption with respect to the apparatus and process of known type.
[0013] A further aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus able to operate contemporaneously as an air condition for one or more rooms and as a provider of hot sanitary water.
[0014] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus and a process which are able to effectively transfer a quantity of heat energy produced in a point of the apparatus (i.e. in one of the devices of the apparatus) to a further point of the apparatus (i.e. to a different device present in the apparatus).
[0015] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus and a process able to operate with high efficiency in any operating condition, both in summer and in winter.
[0016] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus and a process able to operate with high efficiency regardless of the functioning state of the air conditioning part and the hot sanitary water production plant.
[0017] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus and a process able to replace traditional production means of hot sanitary water (for example gas boilers, electric water heaters, etc.).
[0018] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose an apparatus which functions with renewable energy and/or which does not require invasive plant-installing disruption (for example the installation of a heat pump).
[0019] A further aim of the present invention is to disclose a device able in some conditions to maximise the energy efficiency via a recycling of useful energy.
[0020] A further aim of the present invention, in an aspect thereof, is to provide an apparatus for air conditioning and production of hot sanitary water which exhibits a high flexibility of use, enabling inserting in the apparatus itself a plurality of different conditioning devices and/or ACS production.
[0021] A further aim of the present invention in an aspect thereof is to disclose an apparatus characterised by a rational and/or easily modifiable structure according to requirements and/or able to provide advanced control functionality.
[0022] A further aim of the present invention in an aspect thereof is to disclose an apparatus for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water which is simple and/or economical to realize and/or to install and/or in the functioning thereof.
[0023] These aims and others besides, which will more fully emerge during the course of the following description, are substantially attained by an apparatus and a process having the characteristics set down in one or more of the appended claims, taken alone or in any combination among them or with the further aspects set out in the following.
[0024] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water comprising a conditioner associated to a room to be conditioned and comprising at least:
- a first section, positionable internally or externally of said room to be conditioned and having a first inlet opening for air from outside and at least a first outlet opening of air towards outside,
- a second section, positionable internally of said room to be conditioned and having at least a second inlet opening for air from inside the room to be conditioned and at least a second outlet opening for conditioned air towards the inside of the room to be conditioned;
- at least a first heat exchanger associated to said first section and configured for exchanging heat between a first air flow and a cooling fluid passing in the first exchanger;
- at least a first ventilator able to generate said first air flow between said first air inlet opening and said first air outlet opening;
- at least a second heat exchanger associated to said second section and configured for exchanging heat between a second air flow and said cooling fluid passing in said second exchanger;
- at least a second ventilator able to generate said second air flow between said second air inlet opening and said second air outlet opening;
- a first circuit for circulation of said cooling fluid, associated to both said first and said second section and able to connect at least said first exchanger and said second exchanger so as to supply them with said cooling fluid;
- at least a compressor for said cooling fluid and coupled to said first circulating circuit;
- at least a first laminating organ for said cooling fluid and coupled to said first circulating circuit.
[0025] In an aspect the apparatus comprises electrical and electronic control means for controlling and/or commanding functioning of said apparatus.
[0026] In an aspect the apparatus comprises interconnecting means coupled to said first circulating circuit of the cooling fluid and configured for being couplable at least to a second circulating circuit of the cooling fluid, which is arranged outside said first and said second section and is configured for supplying a third heat exchanger with said cooling fluid, which third heat exchanger is a part of a third section, said interconnecting means comprising at least a first inlet/outlet terminal for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit and at least a second inlet/outlet terminal for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit.
[0027] In an aspect said electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed for commanding said interconnecting means for selectively making the first circuit independent of, or connected to, said second circuit, and wherein said electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed to selectively carry the circulation of said cooling fluid internally of said first circuit and of said second circuit such as to transfer a quantity of heat directly from said second heat exchanger to said third heat exchanger.
[0028] In a further independent aspect, the invention relates to a process for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water comprising steps of:
- predisposing an apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a first exchanger able to exchange heat with a first flow of external air, a second exchanger able to exchange heat with a second air flow internally of a room to be conditioned, a first circulating circuit for a cooling fluid, able to connect at least the first exchanger and the second exchanger for supplying with the cooling fluid, electrical and electronic control means for controlling and/or commanding the functioning of the apparatus, and comprising at least a third heat exchanger, able to exchange heat with a circuit of hot sanitary water or with a hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water, a second circulating circuit of the cooling fluid, configured such as to supply the third exchanger with the cooling fluid, and interconnecting means coupled to the first cooling fluid circulating circuit and the second cooling fluid circulating circuit, the interconnecting means comprising at least a first inlet/outlet terminal for the cooling fluid into/out of the first circuit and at least a second inletloutlet terminal for the cooling fluid into/out of the first circuit;
- commanding, via the electric and electronic control means, the interconnecting means so as to selectively make the first circuit independent of, or connected to, the second circuit.
[0029] In an aspect, the step of commanding the interconnecting means comprises a step of selectively carrying the circulation of the cooling fluid internally of the first circuit and the second circuit in such a way as to transfer a quantity of heat directly from the second heat exchanger to the third heat exchanger.
[0030] In an aspect, in which the step of commanding the interconnecting means comprises a step of selecting, at successive times, at least an operating condition selected from among a plurality of operating conditions, said plurality of operating configurations comprising one or more of following operating conditions:
- a first operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger to the second exchanger according to a first flow path direction of the first circuit, wherein the first exchanger functions as a condenser and the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, so as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned;
- a second operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger to the second exchanger according to a second flow path direction of the first circuit opposite to said first flow path direction, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator and the second exchanger functions as a condenser, in such a way as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned;
- a third operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, according to a circulation direction from the second inletloutlet terminal to the first inlet/outlet terminal, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger is inactive (i.e. it does not heat the air) and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fourth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, according to a circulating direction from the second inletloutlet terminal to the first inlet/outlet terminal, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fifth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the first circulating direction, and in the second circuit, according to a circulating direction from the first inlet/outlet terminal to the second inletloutlet terminal, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the second to the third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger is inactive or by-passed, the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water.
[0031] In an aspect, in the fifth operating condition the circulation of the cooling fluid and the deactivation or bypassing of the first heat exchanger enable said transfer of a quantity of heat directly from the second heat exchanger to the third heat exchanger, excluding the first heat exchanger.
[0032] In an aspect, in the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed to command opening and closing of at least the first heat exchanger and preferably also the second and third heat exchangers.
[0033] In an aspect, during the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed to activate the first heat exchanger, preferably by means of activating the first ventilator, when the apparatus is in the first, second, third or fourth operating condition.
[0034] In an aspect, in the fifth operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means deactivate the first heat exchanger in such a way as to transfer, via the compressor, the cooling fluid from the second heat exchanger to the third heat exchanger, transferring the energy subtracted from the environmental air to be cooled to the hot sanitary water.
[0035] In an aspect, when the first exchanger is deactivated it substantially does not exchange subtract or supply heat from/to the cooling fluid in the first circuit, or is not crossed by the cooling fluid or the ventilator is switched off.
[0036] In an aspect, in the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed to selectively activate or deactivate the first ventilator respectively to activate or deactivate the first heat exchanger.
[0037] In an aspect, in the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed to selectively activate and deactivate the second heat exchanger, preferably by means of activating and deactivating the second ventilator, the second heat exchanger being active when the apparatus is in the first, second fourth or fifth operating condition and being inactive when the apparatus is in the third operating configuration.
[0038] In an aspect, in the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means are configured and predisposed such as to selectively activate and deactivate the third heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger being active when the apparatus is in the third, fourth or fifth operating condition and being inactive when the apparatus is in the first or second operating condition. The process of the present invention is advantageously implementable by means of an apparatus according to one or more of the aspects and/or the claims.
[0039] Further characteristics and advantages will more fully emerge from the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of an apparatus and a process for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water according to the present invention. The description will be made in the following with reference to the appended drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:
- figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 2 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 3 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the present invention;
- figure 4 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] With reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, an apparatus for air conditioning and for production of hot sanitary water according to the present invention is denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 1. In general, the same reference numeral is used for identical or like elements, possibly also in the various embodiments thereof.
[0041] The apparatus 1 comprises a conditioner 2 associated to a room 100 to be conditioned and comprising at least a first section 2a, positionable internally or externally of the room to be conditioned and having a first inlet opening 5 for air from outside and at least a first outlet opening 6 of air towards the outside, and a second section 2b, positioned internally of the room to be conditioned and having at least a second inlet opening 7 for air from inside the room 100 to be conditioned and at least a second outlet opening 8 for the conditioned air towards the inside of the room 100. The openings 5, 6, 7, 8 can be provided with grids, aspirating filters and orientation fins of the air flow, all elements of known type and therefore not further described.
[0042] The conditioner comprises a first heat exchanger 9 (or heat exchange battery), associated to the first section 2a and able to exchange heat between a first air flow and a cooling fluid passing in the first exchanger, a first ventilator 10 or an electro-ventilator (preferably of the centrifuge type), able to generate the first air flow between the first air inlet opening 5 and the first air outlet opening 6, a second heat exchanger 1, associated to the second section 2b and able to exchange heat between a second air flow and the cooling fluid passing in the second exchanger 11, and a second ventilator, able to generate the second air flow between the second air inlet opening 7 and the second air outlet opening 8.
[0043] As is known, exchangers or batteries can be for example constituted by radiators provided with a multiplicity of cooling fins able to facilitate heat exchange between the primary fluid, which is the cooling fluid, and the second fluid, which is the air blown by the respective ventilator.
[0044] The conditioner 2 comprises a first circuit 13 for circulation of the cooling fluid; the circuit is associated to both the first and said second section and is able to connect at least said first exchanger 9 and said second exchanger so as to supply them with said cooling fluid. The conditioner 2 further comprises a compressor 33 for the cooling fluid and a first laminating organ 31 for the cooling fluid and also coupled to the first circuit 13.
[0045] The conditioner also comprises electrical and electronic control means 15 for controlling and/or commanding functioning of the whole apparatus.
[0046] The conditioner further comprises interconnecting means 16 coupled to the first circulating circuit 13 of the cooling fluid and couplable to a second circulating circuit 17 of the cooling fluid, which is arranged outside said first and said second section 2a, 2b and supplies a third heat exchanger 18 with said cooling fluid, which third heat exchanger 18 is a part of a third section 2c, as shown in the figures.
[0047] The interconnecting means 16 comprise at least a first inlet/outlet terminal 24 for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit 13 and at least a second inletloutlet terminal 25 for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit.
[0048] The electrical and electronic control means 15 command the interconnecting means 16 for selectively making the first circuit independent of, or connected to, the second circuit, and selectively carry the circulation of the cooling fluid internally of said first circuit 13 and of said second circuit 17; in this way it is possible to transfer a quantity of heat directly from said second heat exchanger 11 to said third heat exchanger 18.
[0049] The third section 2c comprises a hydronic module 50 for production of hot sanitary water (ACS). In the scope of the present invention, the expression "hydronic module" in general identifies, in the sector of hydraulic plants for sanitary use, an apparatus that enables producing hot sanitary water (ACS).
[0050] Also in the scope of the present invention, the hydronic module can assume a plurality of embodiments, some of which are shown in figures 1-4. The hydronic module 50 is still connectable, internally of the apparatus, to the conditioner 2 by means of the second circuit 17, which in turn is connected in parallel to the first circuit 13.
[0051] In the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 2, the hydronic module 50 comprises the third heat exchanger 18 connected to an intermediate hydraulic circuit 60 destined to yield heat to a hot sanitary water circuit, such as to transfer a quantity of heat of the cooling fluid from the second circulating circuit 17 to the intermediate hydraulic circuit; the intermediate circuit is connectable to the hot sanitary water circuit by means of a further exchanger or by means of a storage tank (not illustrated).
[0052] In the embodiments shown in figures 3 and 4, the hydronic module 50 comprises the third heat exchanger 18 and a storage tank 51 of hot sanitary water configured such as to contain a quantity of hot sanitary water and to exchange heat with the third heat exchanger such as to heat the water contained therein. In these cases, the hydronic module 50 is directly connected (by means of the tank) to the circuit of hot sanitary water ACS, such as to transfer a quantity of heat of the cooling fluid from the second circulating circuit to the circuit of hot sanitary water.
[0053] By way of example the third heat exchanger can be a plate exchanger (as schematically shown in figures 1 and 2). Alternatively, the third heat exchanger can comprise a heating serpentine, preferably connected in series to the second circuit and in which the cooling fluid flows. The serpentine can be associated, so as to carry out a heat exchange, directly to the circuit of hot sanitary water or to the intermediate hydraulic circuit or, as shown in figures 3 and 4, to the storage tank. In greater detail, in figure 3 the serpentine 18 is housed internally of the tank 51, while in figure 4 the serpentine 18 is installed externally of the storage tank 51. In the latter case it is possible to prevent, in those cases where standards and norms require it, any risk of contact between the cooling fluid and the hot sanitary water.
[0054] Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiments of the figures, the hydronic module 50 comprises a temperature sensor 70 (or temperature probe, for example a thermistore or a thermocouple) connectable to the electrical and electronic means and configured so as to detect a water temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned directly on the intermediate hydraulic circuit or on the sanitary hot water circuit (as shown in figures 1 and 2), for example on the circuit delivery, preferably downstream of the third heat exchanger. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be installed directly internally of the tank (as shown in figures 3 and 4). In any case, the electrical and electronic means are configured so as to manage the regulation (for example switching on and off) of the hydronic module on the basis of the temperature reading by the temperature sensor, and, for example, by means of a comparison of the measured value with a predefined value (for example a desired value for the hot sanitary water configurable as desired).
[0055] The third section 2c preferably comprises a hot sanitary water delivery pump 52 configured so as to determine the water circulation in the circulation of water in the hot sanitary water circuit (figures 3 and 4) or in the intermediate hydraulic circuit (figures 1 and 2).
[0056] As shown by way of example in the figures, the hydronic module is preferably a single-block unit comprising the third heat exchanger and at least a portion of the hot sanitary water circuit or the intermediate hydraulic circuit, preferably with the delivery pump.
[0057] The conditioner preferably comprises a first frame 3 comprising the first section 2a, mountable internally or externally of the room 100 to be conditioned and having the at least a first inlet 5 of air from outside and the first outlet opening 6 for air towards the outside; the first heat exchanger 9 is arranged in the first frame 3.
[0058] As in figures 1-4, the first air inlet opening 5 of air from the outside and the first outlet opening 6 of air towards the outside are operatively connectable to two corresponding openings made in the wall 101 and communicating with an outside environment 104.
[0059] In some embodiments, for example those illustrated in figures 2, 3 and 4, the conditioner can comprise a second frame 3a, distinct from the first frame 3 and comprising the second section 2b; the second frame is mountable internally of the room 100 to be conditioned and exhibits the second inlet opening 7 for air from inside the room 100 to be conditioned and the second outlet opening 8 of conditioned air towards the inside of the room 100. In this case the second heat exchanger 11 is arranged in the second frame 3.
[0060] In the embodiments of figures 2, 3 and 4, the first circulating circuit 13 for the cooling fluid is arranged partially in the first frame 3 and partially in the second frame 3a and exhibits two interconnecting branches between the first and the second section; in this case the conditioner 2 preferably comprises a first connecting valve 13a and a second connecting valve 13b interposed between the first and the second section and arranged on each of the interconnecting branches (from the first to the second and vice versa). The electrical and electronic control means 15 can be associated to the first frame 3 or, alternatively, to the second frame.
[0061] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the second frame coincides with the first frame 3 and the conditioner 2 is of a single block type. In this case, the only frame 3 comprises both the first section 2a and the second section 2b, i.e. both the condenser group and the evaporator group (which invert the reciprocal functions thereof in the passage from conditioning to heat pump functioning). The frame is wall-installable in the room 100 to be conditioned (as shown in figure 1), or can be mounted partially externally of the room and partially internally thereof (in an embodiment that is not shown), so that the first section is external of the room 100 and the second section is internal of the room. The single block conditioner 2 can further comprise means for mounting the first frame 3 to the wall 101 in the room 100. The mounting means can be configured such as to mount the conditioner in a contact position with the floor of the room or in a raised position with respect to the floor of the room. In the single-block configuration the conditioner can be mountable, using appropriate means for mounting, at least in a first "low on the wall" position and in a second "high on the wall" position, arranged higher in the room 100 to be conditioned with respect to the first position. The expression "low on the wall" relates to a position substantially close to a floor of the room in which the single-block conditioner is installed, while the expression "high on the wall" relates to a position closer to a ceiling of the room with respect to the first position. In particular, the "low on the wall" position is at a height from the ground that is lower than an average user's height, and in particular lower at least than a metre from the floor, and can also be with the conditioner in contact with a wall, while the "high on the wall" position is a position at a height from the ground that is greater than a height of an average user, and therefore higher than at least two metres from the floor.
[0062] In figures 2, 3 and 4 the conditioner 2 schematically exhibits two distinct frames (3, and 3a), of the "split" type: the first section can be installed advantageously externally of the building, while the second section is positioned internally of the room 100 to be conditioned.
[0063] The apparatus can further comprise a third frame 55 which comprises the third section 2c; the third frame 55 is positionable or mountable internally of a further room 102, for example a technical room or a boiler room.
[0064] The interconnecting means 16 are preferably selectively and removably couplable to corresponding connecting means of the second cooling fluid circulating circuit 17; the interconnecting and connecting means can comprise connections, fittings, joints or other means, for example of known type in the sector.
[0065] As shown by way of example in the figures, the first inletloutlet terminal 24 branches from a point X of the first circuit 13 downstream of the first heat exchanger according to the flow path assumed by the cooling fluid corresponding to the functioning of the exchanger as a condenser, and the second inlet/out terminal 25 branches from a point Y of the first circuit 13 upstream of the first heat exchanger according to the flow path direction assumed by the cooling fluid corresponding to the functioning of the exchanger as a condenser. The first 24 and second inletloutlet terminals 25 are branch points of the first circuit by means of which the second circuit 17 is connected - by a "parallel" architecture - to the first circuit 13.
[0066] The apparatus comprises regulating means 26 for selectively determining or preventing passage of cooling fluids in the second circuit and the first circuit 13 upstream of the interconnecting means 16. The regulating means comprise at least a first regulating valve 27 arranged in proximity of the interconnecting means 16, in particular at the first inlet/outlet terminal 24, and at least a second valve regulating valve 28 arranged in the first circuit 13, downstream of the point of the first circuit in which the first inletloutlet terminal 24 is positioned.
[0067] As shown in the figures, the regulating means 26 can preferably further comprise a third regulating valve 34 located in series with the first circuit at a point of the first circuit upstream of the first heat exchanger in the flow path direction assumed by the cooling fluid corresponding to the functioning of the exchanger as a condenser.
[0068] The first laminating organ 31 for the cooling fluid is preferably coupled to the first circulating circuit 13 upstream of the interconnecting means 16 in the flow direction of the cooling fluid corresponding to the functioning of the exchanger as a condenser.
[0069] The first section preferably comprises a second laminating organ 32 coupled to the second circulating circuit 17; the first and second laminating organs are configured such as to compensate and balance the various load losses suffered by the cooling fluid respectively in the first circuit 13 upstream of the interconnecting means 16 and in the second circuit 17.
[0070] The first section preferably comprises also a third laminating organ 33 coupled to the first circulating circuit 13 downstream of the interconnecting means; the second and the third laminating organ are configured so as to compensate and balance the different load losses undergone by the cooling fluid respectively in the first circulating circuit 13 downstream of the interconnecting means and in the second circuit 17.
[0071] The first laminating organ 31 can be a fixed organ (capillary or restrictor); the second laminating organ 32 and the third laminating organ 33 can alternatively be fixed laminating organs or modulating electronic valves.
[0072] The conditioner 2 can lastly comprise some further conventional elements, such as for example electrical motors for ventilators, further electrical and/or electronic control means of the various components and the conditioner, a plurality of internal pipes, a condensation water pump, etc., which will not be described in greater detail as they are of conventional type and well known per se.
[0073] In the following the functioning of the apparatus according to the present invention will be described. This particular functioning comprises the operating conditions assumed by the apparatus and the modes with which the electrical and electronic control means command the functioning of the whole apparatus, and in the various aspects thereof itself constitutes a process for the air conditioning and the production of hot sanitary water according to the present invention.
[0074] The electrical and electronic control means 15 manage the functioning of the apparatus selectively between a plurality of operating conditions. The plurality of operating configurations comprises one or more of the operating conditions illustrated in the following:
- 1) a first operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid takes place only in the first circuit and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger 9 to the second exchanger 11 according to a first flow path direction of the first circuit; in this condition the first exchanger functions as a condenser and the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned. The first pathway direction corresponds, in figures 1-4, to a clockwise circulating direction of the cooling fluid in the first circuit 13;
- 2) a second operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger 9 to the second exchanger 11 according to a second flow path direction of the first circuit opposite to the first flow path direction; in this condition the first exchanger 9 functions as an evaporator and the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned. In the second condition the apparatus functions in the air-heating mode and there is no production of hot sanitary water. The second flow path direction corresponds, in figures 1-4, to an anticlockwise circulation direction of the cooling fluid in the first circuit 13.
- 3) a third operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, according to a circulation direction from the second inlet/outlet terminal 25 to the first inlet/outlet terminal 24, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger 9 to the second 11 and (if not by-passed) to the third exchanger 18; in this condition the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger is inactive and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water. In the third condition the apparatus does not condition the air (neither heating nor cooling it), while the production of hot sanitary water is active.
- 4) a fourth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and the second circuit, according to a circulation direction from the second inletloutlet terminal 25 to the first inlet/outlet terminal 24, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger; in this condition the third exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water. In the fourth condition the apparatus functions in the air-heating mode and contemporaneously there is production of hot sanitary water.
- 5) a fifth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling liquid occurs in both the first circuit, according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit, according to a circulating direction from the first inlet/outlet terminal 24 to the second inlet/outlet terminal 25, and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the second to the third exchanger; in this condition, the first exchanger is inactive or by-passed, the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water. In the fifth operating condition the apparatus functions in cooling mode of the air and at the same time there is production of hot sanitary water.
[0075] In the fifth operating condition the circulation of the cooling fluid and the deactivating or the by-passing of the first heat exchanger preferably enable the transfer of a quantity of heat directly from the second heat exchanger 11 to the third heat exchanger 18, excluding the first heat exchanger. This advantageously enables recycling the heat associated to the second heater when it functions in the air-cooling mode, and, instead of dissipating it in the first heat exchanger, transfer it to the third heat exchanger, which uses it positively to produce hot sanitary water.
[0076] In other words, the present apparatus, in particular when it is in the fifth operating condition, avoids dissipating the heat produced and subtracted from the environment to be conditioned by transferring it directly to the hot sanitary water, thus realising a useful double effect, i.e. the effect of not losing the heat to the outside and not having to produce new heat energy for the hot sanitary water. In substance it is the same heat removed from the environment to be conditioned that is sent directly to the hydronic module, where it is directly used to produce hot sanitary water.
[0077] The electrical and electronic control means 15 are preferably configured and predisposed to selectively activate and deactivate at least the first heat exchanger. The electrical and electronic control means 15 preferably activate the first heat exchanger 9, preferably by means of activation of the first ventilator 10, when the apparatus is in the first, second, third or fourth operating condition.
[0078] When the apparatus is in the fifth operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means 15 preferably deactivate the first heat exchanger in such a way as to transfer the cooling fluid from the second heat exchanger to the third heat exchanger substantially at an unchanged temperature, i.e. without carrying out a heat exchange with the transiting cooling fluid.
[0079] When the first exchanger is deactivated, it preferably essentially does not exchange, subtract or supply heat from the or to the cooling fluid in the first circuit, or is not crossed by the cooling fluid or the first ventilator 10 is off.
[0080] The electrical and electronic control means 15 are preferably configured and predisposed so as to selectively activate or deactivate the first ventilator respectively to activate and deactivate the first heat exchanger.
[0081] The electrical and electronic control means 15 are preferably configured and predisposed so as to selectively activate or deactivate the second heat exchanger 11, preferably by activating and deactivating the second ventilator, the second heat exchanger being active when the apparatus is in the first, second, fourth or fifth operating condition and being inactive when the apparatus is in the third operating condition.
[0082] The electrical and electronic control means 15 are preferably configured and predisposed such as to selectively activate and deactivate the third heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger being active when the apparatus is in the third, fourth or fifth operating condition and being inactive when the apparatus is in the first or second operating condition.
[0083] The electrical and electronic control means 15 are configured and predisposed to command opening and closing of the first and/or second and/or third regulating valve, in such a way that:
- in the first operating condition the first regulating valve 27 is closed, preventing circulation of cooling fluid in the second circuit, and said second 28 and third regulating valve 34 are opened to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the first flow path direction (clockwise direction in the figures);
- in the second operating condition the first regulating valve 27 is closed, preventing circulation of cooling fluid in the second circuit, and the second 28 and third regulating valve 34 are opened such as to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the second flow path direction (anticlockwise direction in the figures);
- in the third and the fourth operating condition the first 27, second 28 and third regulating valve 34 are open, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inlet/outlet terminal 25 and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the first inletloutlet terminal 24; in this condition the accumulation of the liquid coolant and the lubricating oil in the compressor internally of the circuit 17 via the inlet/outlet terminal 25 is possible. To prevent this, the electrical and electronic control means 15 are configured such as to periodically open the regulating valve 27 with the aim of emptying the circuit 17;
- in the fifth operating condition the first 27, second 28 and third regulating valve 34 are opened, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the first inlet/outlet terminal 24 and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the second inletloutlet terminal 25.
[0084] Alternatively, in the fifth operating condition the first 27 and second 28 regulating valve are opened and the third regulating valve 34 is closed, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in a portion of the first circuit 13, according to the first circuit (in the first flow path direction) and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inlet/outlet terminal 25 and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit 13 via the first inlet/outlet terminal 24; in this last case the portion of the first circuit comprised between the third regulating valve 34 and the branching point X (the portion that crosses the first heat exchanger 9 and the first laminating organ 31), is by-passed and excluded from the circulation of cooling fluid. In this way (with the third regulating valve closed) a bypass of a portion of the first circuit is realised, which comprises the first exchanger; by doing this it is possible to send all the energy removed from the air by the second exchanger 11 directly to the third heat exchanger 18.
[0085] In the second and third operating condition, the first and/or the second regulating valve 27 and 28, are periodically brought into the open position so as to guarantee return of the oil from the second circuit to the compressor located in the first circuit. In fact, in the branches of the second circuit, when they are closed with respect to the first circuit, over time the lubricating oil of the compressor can accumulate; this might reduce the oil available for the compressor, so the periodical opening of the whole circuit assembly (constituted by the first and second circuits) ensures a complete circulation, preventing the lubricating oil from being limited in the first circuit.
[0086] In a possible embodiment (not illustrated), the third section can consist, in place of the hydronic module, of an air conditioning unit able to heat the air by means of the third heat exchanger. In this embodiment, in the further room 102 (which in the preceding embodiments housed the hydronic module) a conditioning unit is used that is able to exploit the heat exchanger.
[0087] In substance, the conditioner structure 2 in the first circuit 13 and in the second circuit 17 does not change: what is modified is the presence of a conditioning unit to replace the hydronic module. This embodiment is realizable thanks to the fact that the second circuit is completely independent of the first circuit, and is activatable selectively according to the operating condition. The internal conditioning unit can function only in the heat-pump mode, in order to heat the further room 102. This possibility is however advantageous, since it enables having in the apparatus two distinct internal conditioning units (one constituted by the conditioner 2 and the other by the additional unit connected to the second circuit), of which the first (the conditioner 2) can function both in heating and in cooling, while the second (additional unit) can function only in the heating mode, but can always do so, i.e. in any operating condition. A possible application of this embodiment is in building or dwelling in which there is a room 100 that is to be heated (in winter) and cooled (in summer), for example a bedroom, and a further room 102 which does not require cooling in summer (for example a cellar or basement), but requires heating in winter.
[0088] In this application, the conditioner 2 can be installed in a first room (such as the first single-block frame 3 or only the second frame 3a if in the split configuration), and a single conditioning unit can be positioned in a second room, to replace the hydronic module for the production of hot sanitary water. In winter the apparatus would work in the fourth operating condition (heating both the rooms) while in an intermediate season the first room can be cooled and the second room heated; in this case the apparatus would pass into the fifth operating condition, where it is possible to carry out a recycling of the heat from the conditioner 2 to the added unit (in particular from the second to the third heat exchanger).
[0089] The invention provides important advantages. Firstly of note is the fact that the apparatus of the invention enables substantially obviating the drawbacks of the prior art. Further, the invention enables reducing the overall energy consumption with respect to the known apparatus and processes.
[0090] In particular, the apparatus and the process advantageously enable recycling the heat produced by the conditioner when it functions in the air cooling mode, directly transferring the heat directly to the hot sanitary water production module. The apparatus and the process realize a useful double effect, positively using the heat removed from the environment to be conditioned (which otherwise would be eliminated and thus dissipated in the external environment), and at the same time avoiding production of heat for hot sanitary water (which otherwise would have to be specially produced). Overall the result is a lower energy waste and greater efficiency.
- a first section (2a), positionable internally or externally of said room (100) to be conditioned and having a first inlet opening (5) for air from outside and at least a first outlet opening (6) of air towards outside,
- a second section (2b), positionable internally of said room (100) to be conditioned and having at least a second inlet opening (7) for air from inside the room (100) to be conditioned and at least a second outlet opening (8) for conditioned air towards the inside of the room to be conditioned;
- at least a first heat exchanger (9) associated to said first section (2a) and configured for exchanging heat between a first air flow and a cooling fluid passing in the first exchanger (9);
- at least a first ventilator (10) able to generate said first air flow between said first air inlet opening (5) and said first air outlet opening (6);
- at least a second heat exchanger (11) associated to said second section (2b) and configured for exchanging heat between a second air flow and said cooling fluid passing in said second exchanger (11);
- at least a second ventilator able to generate said second air flow between said second air inlet opening (7) and said second air outlet opening (8);
- a first circuit (13) for circulation of said cooling fluid, associated to both said first and said second section and able to connect at least said first exchanger (9) and said second exchanger so as to supply them with said cooling fluid;
- at least a compressor (33) for said cooling fluid and coupled to said first circulating circuit (13);
- at least a first laminating organ (31) for said cooling fluid and coupled to said first circulating circuit (13);
characterised in that it comprises:- electrical and electronic control means (15) for controlling and/or commanding functioning of said apparatus;
- interconnecting means (16) coupled to said first circulating circuit (13) of the
cooling fluid and configured for being couplable at least to a second circulating
circuit (17) of the cooling fluid, which is arranged outside said first and said second
section (2a, 2b) and is configured for supplying a third heat exchanger (18) with
said cooling fluid, which third heat exchanger (18) is a part of a third section (2c),
said interconnecting means (16) comprising at least a first inlet/outlet terminal
(24) for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit (13) and at least a second
inletloutlet terminal (25) for the cooling fluid into/out of said first circuit (13);
wherein said electrical and electronic control means (15) are configured and predisposed
for commanding said interconnecting means (16) for selectively making the first circuit
independent of, or connected to, said second circuit, and wherein said electrical
and electronic control means (15) are configured and predisposed to selectively carry
the circulation of said cooling fluid internally of said first circuit (13) and of
said second circuit (17) such as to transfer a quantity of heat directly from said
second heat exchanger (11) to said third heat exchanger (18).
- a first operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid takes place only in said first circuit (13) and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger (9) to the second exchanger (11) according to a first flow path direction of the first circuit, wherein the first exchanger functions as a condenser and the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in said room to be conditioned (100);
- a second operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit (13) and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger (9) to the second exchanger (11) according to a second flow path direction of the first circuit opposite to said first flow path direction, wherein the first exchanger (9) functions as an evaporator and the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned;
- a third operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit (17), according to a circulation direction from the second inletloutlet terminal (25) to the first inletloutlet terminal (24), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger (9) to the second (11) and third exchanger (18), wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger is inactive and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fourth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the second flow path direction, and the second circuit (17), according to a circulation direction from the second inlet/outlet terminal (25) to the first inlet/outlet terminal (24), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger, wherein the third exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger (18) transfers heat to the hydronic module (50) for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fifth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling liquid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit (17), according to a circulating direction from the first inlet/outlet terminal (24) to the second inlet/outlet terminal (25), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the second (11) to the third exchanger (18), wherein the first exchanger (9) is inactive or by-passed, the second exchanger (11) functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned (100), and the third exchanger (18) transfers heat to the hydronic module (50) for production of hot sanitary water, and/or wherein in the fifth operating condition the circulation of the cooling fluid and the deactivating or the by-passing of the first heat exchanger (9) enable said transfer of a quantity of heat directly from the second heat exchanger (11) to the third heat exchanger (18), excluding the first heat exchanger (9).
- in the first operating condition the first regulating valve (27) is closed, preventing circulation of the cooling fluid in the second circuit, and the second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the first flow path direction;
- in the second operating configuration the first regulating valve (27) is closed, preventing circulation of the cooling fluid in the second circuit, and the second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the second flow path direction;
- in the third and fourth operating conditions the first (27), second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inletloutlet terminal (25) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit through the first inletloutlet terminal (24);
- in the fifth operating condition the first (27), second (28) and third regulating valves (34) are opened, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the first inletloutlet terminal (24) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the second inlet/outlet terminal (25), or the first (27) and second regulating valve (28) are opened and the third regulating valve (34) is closed, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in a portion of the first circuit, according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inletloutlet terminal (25) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the first inletloutlet terminal (24), and in this last case the portion of the first circuit comprised between the third regulating valve (34) and the point at which it is positioned, or from which the first inlet/outlet terminal (24) branches, the portion crossing the first heat exchanger is bypassed and excluded from the circulation of the cooling fluid circuit.
- predisposing an apparatus (1) as in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a first exchanger (9) able to exchange heat with a first flow of external air, a second exchanger (11) able to exchange heat with a second air flow internally of a room (100) to be conditioned, a first circulating circuit (13) for a cooling fluid, able to connect at least the first exchanger (9) and the second exchanger (11) for supplying with the cooling fluid, electrical and electronic control means (15) for controlling and/or commanding the functioning of the apparatus, and comprising at least a third heat exchanger (18), able to exchange heat with a circuit of hot sanitary water or with a hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water, a second circulating circuit (17) of the cooling fluid, configured such as to supply the third exchanger (18) with the cooling fluid, and interconnecting means (16) coupled to the first cooling fluid circulating circuit (13) and the second cooling fluid circulating circuit (17), the interconnecting means (16) comprising at least a first inlet/outlet terminal (24) for the cooling fluid into/out of the first circuit (13) and at least a second inletloutlet terminal (25) for the cooling fluid into/out of the first circuit (13);
- commanding, via the electric and electronic control means (15), the interconnecting
means (16) so as to selectively make the first circuit independent of, or connected
to, the second circuit;
wherein the step of commanding the interconnecting means comprises a step of selectively
carrying the circulation of the cooling fluid internally of the first circuit (13)
and the second circuit (17) in such a way as to transfer a quantity of heat directly
from the second heat exchanger (11) to the third heat exchanger (18).
- a first operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit (13) and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger (9) to the second exchanger (11) according to a first flow path direction of the first circuit, wherein the first exchanger functions as a condenser and the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, so as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned;
- a second operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs only in the first circuit (13) and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs cyclically from the first exchanger (9) to the second exchanger (11) according to a second flow path direction of the first circuit opposite to said first flow path direction, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator and the second exchanger functions as a condenser, in such a way as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned;
- a third operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit (17), according to a circulation direction from the second inletloutlet terminal (25) to the first inletloutlet terminal (24), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger is inactive and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fourth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit (17), according to a circulating direction from the second inletloutlet terminal (25) to the first inletloutlet terminal (24), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the first exchanger to the second and third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger functions as an evaporator, the second exchanger functions as a condenser, such as to carry out a heating of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water;
- a fifth operating condition, in which the circulation of the cooling fluid occurs in both the first circuit (13), according to the first circulating direction, and in the second circuit (17), according to a circulating direction from the first inlet/outlet terminal (24) to the second inlet/outlet terminal (25), and the passage of the cooling fluid occurs from the second to the third exchanger, wherein the first exchanger is inactive or by-passed, the second exchanger functions as an evaporator, such as to carry out a cooling of the air in the room to be conditioned, and the third exchanger transfers heat to the hydronic module for production of hot sanitary water.
and wherein in the step of selecting at least an operating condition, the electrical and electronic control means (15) are configured and predisposed to command opening and closing of the first and/or second and/or third regulating valve, in such a way that:
- in the first operating condition the first regulating valve (27) is closed, preventing circulation of cooling fluid in the second circuit, and said second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the first flow path direction;
- in the second operating condition the first regulating valve (27) is closed, preventing circulation of cooling fluid in the second circuit, and the second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened such as to enable circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit according to the second flow path direction;
- in the third and the fourth operating condition the first (27), second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are open, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the second flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inletloutlet terminal (25) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the first inletloutlet terminal (24);
- in the fifth operating condition the first (27), second (28) and third regulating valve (34) are opened, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in the first circuit, according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit, the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the first inletloutlet terminal (24) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit via the second inlet/outlet terminal (25), or the first (27) and second (28) regulating valve are opened and the third regulating valve (34) is closed, enabling circulation of the cooling fluid in a portion of the first circuit (13), according to the first flow path direction, and in the second circuit (17), the cooling fluid entering the second circuit via the second inlet/outlet terminal (25) and returning from the second circuit to the first circuit (13) via the first inletloutlet terminal (24), and in this last case the portion of the first circuit comprised between the third regulating valve (34) and the point in which the first inlet/outlet terminal (24) is positioned or from which it branches, the portion crossing the first heat exchanger (9), is by-passed and excluded from the circulation of cooling fluid.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description