Key information

Title
A device for heating a compartment
Application number
20180489
Case type
National
Status
20.01.2020 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
10.04.2018
Effective date
10.04.2018
Publicly available
11.10.2019
Next annual fee due
30.04.2027
Applicant
EUREK AS (NO)
Owner
EUREK AS (NO)
Inventor
Knut Arild Knutsen (NO)
Agent
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted
20.01.2020
Patent number
344519
Expiry date
10.04.2038

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
A device (1) for heating a compartment (3) with a heat conduction arrangement (10) comprising an evaporator (20) comprising a first heat transfer device (40), a compressor (22), a condenser (24) comprising a second heat transfer device (42), an expansion device (26), a conduction circuit (28) adapted to conduct a heat transfer medium, and a control unit (30) for controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement (10). The first heat transfer device (40) is configured to be submerged in a reservoir of water outside the compartment (3) and comprising an elongated body (50) enclosing a portion of the conduction circuit (28). The second heat transfer device (42) is positioned in connection to the compartment (3). The control unit (30) is controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement (10) so that water in contact with the elongated body (50) of the first heat transfer device (40) freezes to ice.

Publications

Latest published versionB1

Documents

 Expand Download files (22)
Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 03.03.2020 10-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20180489)
27.01.2020 09-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT PT Registreringsbrev Nasjonal Patent (15) (PT20180489)
04.11.2019 08-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT PT Meddelelse om patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-06 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Beskrivelse merket HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-05 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Beskrivelse ren HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-04 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Patenttegninger HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-03 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Krav HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-02 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Hovedbrev HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 21.05.2019 07-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 18.12.2018 06-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Generelt brev Patent uten frist HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 07.12.2018 05-03 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Maskinoversettelse PL209839B1
07.12.2018 05-02 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Korrigert granskningsrapport
07.12.2018 05-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Generelt brev Patent uten frist HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 13.11.2018 04-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 09.11.2018 03-02 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT PT_report 01:42:33
09.11.2018 03-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Realitet patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 13.04.2018 02-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 UT Infobrev til oppfinner HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 10.04.2018 01-05 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Beskrivelse HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 10.04.2018 01-04 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Erklæring Søkers rett til oppfinnelse HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 10.04.2018 01-03 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Patenttegninger HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 10.04.2018 01-02 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Fullmakt HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 10.04.2018 01-01 Saksbehandling 20180489 INN Søknadsskjema Patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
A DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR HEATING A COMPARTMENTIntroductionThe present invention relates to a device for heating a compartment, such as a room or a housing. The device comprises a heat conduction arrangement comprising an evaporator comprising a first heat transfer device, a compressor, a condenser comprising a second heat transfer device, an expansion device, a conduction circuit connecting the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion device in a circuit. The conduction circuit is adapted to conduct a heat transfer medium. The device further comprises a control unit for controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement.The present invention further relates to an arrangement comprising the device and the compartment. The present invention further relates to a method for heating a compartment by means of the device, and use of the device and the method.Prior artDevices comprising heat exchangers are commonly used to in heating compartments, such as rooms, housings, and etcetera. The heating is based on principle of absorbing heat from the surrounding environment outside the compartment and emitting the absorbed heat into the compartment. The surrounding environment may for example be the surrounding ground, a so called downhole heat exchanger. Alternatively, the surrounding environment may be the air around the compartment or a reservoir of water, such as a lake or sea, at the compartment.A problem with using the surrounding ground as a heat source, is that the it requires drilling into the ground, which is costly and may further in some circumstances be undesirable.A problem with using the surrounding air as a heat source, is that it requires large sized fans to circulate the surrounding air to and from the device. The fans may produce noise and furthermore the installation of the fans may change the overall visual impression of a housing. Furthermore, the temperature of the surrounding air is low during the season when heating is of most interest, resulting in low efficiency of the device. A problem with using a reservoir of water as a heat source, is that, similar to when using the surrounding air as a source, the temperature of the water may be low during season of heating, resulting in low efficiency of the device.CN107036205A discloses a device comprising a heat exchanger utilizing phase change heat.PL209839 B discloses a heat pump arrangement wherein two heat exchangers: an evaporator and a condenser arranged in series. An expansion element is arranged between the evaporator and the cooler. The heat exchangers and the expansion element are submerged in water. The evaporator is in fluid communication with a 4-way valve connected to a dryer and a compressor with a condenser. When ice is formed on the surface of the evaporator, the compressor is turned off and the flow direction is changed by the 4-way valve so that the evaporator becomes the cooler and the cooler becomes the evaporator.US 4,187,690 A discloses an ice-making heat pump system is disclosed which includes a number of evaporator freezing plates, each of the plates having two fluid passageways therein. One of the passageways is arranged to conduct boiling refrigerant fluid for freezing water on the surfaces of the plate. The other passageway is arranged to conduct warm condensed refrigerant for harvesting ice formed on the plate surface. A fluid valve arrangement is also provided to connect the plates with the rest of the system so that ice can be selectively formed and released from the outer surfaces of the freezing plates.Summary of the inventionThe invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to prior art. The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a device for heating a compartment more efficient and without the mentioned disadvantages of prior art devices.This object is provided by means of a device for heating a compartment. The device comprises a heat conduction arrangement comprising- an evaporator comprising a first heat transfer device,- a compressor,- a condenser comprising a second heat transfer device,- an expansion device,- a conduction circuit connecting the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser and the expansion device in a circuit, which conduction circuit is adapted to conduct a heat transfer medium, and - a control unit for controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement, wherein the first heat transfer device is configured to be submerged in a reservoir of water outside the compartment and comprising an elongated body enclosing a portion of the conduction circuit, wherein the sec ond heat transfer device is configured to be positioned in connection to the compartment for transferring heat absorbed at the first heat transfer device to the compartment, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the heat conduction arrangement so that water in contact with the elongated body of the first heat transfer device freezes to ice, the device further comprises means for heating the body for releasing ice from the surface of the body.The device is characterized in that that the means for heating the body is selected from the group consisting of:-a) the expansion device configured as a valve arranged in connection to the compartment, wherein the valve is controlled by the control unit so that the heat transfer medium is prevented from expansion; or-b) a further conduction circuit adapted to be controlled so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the body, wherein the control unit is adapted to alternating apply the conduction circuit and the further conduction circuit.The control unit is configured so that water in contact with the elongated body of the first heat transfer device freezes to ice. Thereby, the energy in both the liquid state and in the phase change from water to ice is absorbed and transferred to the second heat exchanger, where the absorbed heat it is emitted into the compartment. The energy at the phase change from water to ice is significant larger than the energy absorbed when reducing the temperature of the water to point of freezing. By means utilizing energy both from the temperature change of the water to point of freezing and the phase change to ice, a large amount of heat is absorbed and emitted into the compartment.The first heat transfer device comprises the elongated body that the enclose a portion of the conduction circuit. Thereby, a large surface is formed for contact with water of the water reservoir and absorbing the heat in the transformation from water to ice. The large surface is also configured for releasing the formed ice thereon for iterating the process of absorbing the heat in the process of freezing water to ice.The device provides the advantage of absorbing large amount of heat from the water of the water reservoir without the disadvantage mentioned in the prior art.According to an embodiment of the invention, the body of the first heat transfer device is preferably made of a material of high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminium, and etcetera.According to an embodiment of the invention, said body is formed as a plate comprising at least one large flat surface on which the water is to be frozen into ice. The large flat surface is configured for both forming the ice and releasing the formed ice from the first heat transfer device. The term “large flat surface" is to be understood as the larger surface of the plate compared to its short end surface. According to an embodiment of the invention, said portion of the conduction circuit is formed into one or more hairpins within the body. By means of arranging the conduction circuit in hairpins within the body, a large contact surface for absorbing heat from the body is provided.The means for heating the body enables the formed ice to be released from the body of the first heat transfer device.As stated above, said means for heating the body may in one embodiment consist of a further conduction circuit adapted to be controlled so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the body, wherein the control unit is adapted to alternating apply the conduction circuit and the further conduction circuit.By means of the further conduction circuit, the heat conduction arrangement is adapted to be controlled by the control unit so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the body of the first heat transfer device, thereby heating the body so that ice formed thereon is released. The further conduction circuit enables the device to alternate between absorbing energy at the water reservoir and releasing ice from the body into the water reservoir.According to an embodiment of the invention, the device 1 comprises two or more heat conduction arrangements with respective two or more first heat transfer device and respective means for heating the body, and which two or more heat conduction arrangements are connected to the compartment, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the heat conduction arrangements and means for heating the body so that the first heat transfer devices of the respective heat conduction arrangements are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device. The expression “different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device” should be understood that the heat conduction arrangements are operated so that the de-icing of the first heat transfer device occurs at different occasions during the operation of the device.According to an embodiment of the invention, said body is formed as a plate, and wherein the first heat transfer device comprises a ribbon arranged at a short end surface of the body, which ribbon mainly comprises a material of lower thermal conductivity than the body. The term “short end surface" is to be understood as the smaller surface of the plate compared to its large flat surface.By means of the ribbon, an intersection of the formed ice on the body of the first heat transfer device is formed. The intersection enables release of the formed ice from the body compared if a continuous layer of ice would enclose the body.According to an embodiment of the invention, said ribbon comprises mainly a polymeric material. The polymeric material prevents ice to be formed on the ribbon so that the intersection in the ice is formed.According to an embodiment of the invention, the two or more heat conduction arrangements are configured to share at least one of the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and part of the conduction circuit, wherein the two or more heat conduction arrangements comprises a respective first heat transfer device. By arranging the two or more heat conduction arrangements with shared components, a compact design of the design is obtained.The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising the device according to any of above embodiments and the compartment.The invention further relates to a method for heating a compartment by means of a device according to any of the above embodiments, the method comprises the steps of- submerging the elongated body of the first heat transfer device in a reservoir of water outside the compartment,- positioning the second heat transfer device in connection to the compartment for transferring heat absorbed at the first transfer device to the compartment- controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement so that water in contact with the elongated body at the reservoir of water freezes to ice; and- releasing ice from the surface of the body by means of heating the body by preventing the heat transfer medium from expansion, or by means of conducting the evaporated heat transfer medium to the body via the further conduction circuit.The method involves configuring the device so that the body of the first heat transfer device in a reservoir of water outside the compartment and so that the second heat transfer device is arranged in connection to the compartment. The method further involves controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement so that water in contact with the elongated body at the reservoir of water freezes to ice, where the absorbed heat is conducted and emitted to the compartment by means of the second heat transfer device.The body is heated by applying the means for heating the body. By means of heating the body, the ice is released from the body and the body and so that water of the reservoir can get into contact with the body and be frozen to ice.According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises- controlling the device so that the conduction circuit and the means for heating the body are alternately applied.According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises- controlling the device so that the conduction arrangements and the means for heating the body are alternately applied.According to an embodiment of the invention, the means for heating the body comprises the further conduction circuit, wherein the method comprises- controlling the device so that the conduction circuit and the further conduction circuit are alternately applied. According to an embodiment of the invention, said device comprises two or more heat conduction arrangements, wherein the method further comprises:- controlling the heat conduction arrangements and means for heating the body so that the first heat transfer devices of the respective heat conduction arrangements are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device.The control unit controls both the two or more heat conduction arrangements so that they are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device. Thereby, it is assured that the de-icing of the heat transfer devices does not occur simultaneously.According to an embodiment of the invention, said device comprises two or more heat conduction arrangements and the means for heating the body comprises respective two or more further conduction circuits, wherein the method comprises:- controlling the heat conduction arrangements and further conduction circuits so that the first heat transfer devices of the respective heat conduction arrangements are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device. The invention further relates to use of a device according to any of above embodiments.According to an embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention is used for heating a compartment of a marine structure, such as a ship, a boat, and etcetera.According to an embodiment of the invention, the body of the first heat transfer device is adapted to be positioned at the hull of the marine structure.Description of drawingsIn the following is described an example of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig. 1 discloses a device for heating a compartment according to an embodiment of the invention;Fig. 2a discloses a device for heating a compartment according to a further embodiment of the invention, where the device comprises two heat conduction arrangement and a respective further conduction circuit;Fig. 2b discloses the device in fig. 2a, where both heat conduction arrangements are in a phase of freezing;Fig. 2c discloses the device in fig. 2a, where a first heat conduction arrangement is in the phase of freezing and the further conduction circuit connected to a second heat conduction arrangement is active; Fig. 2d discloses the device in fig. 2a, where the second heat conduction arrangement is in the phase of freezing and the further conduction circuit connected to the first heat conduction arrangement is active;Fig. 3a discloses a first view of an embodiment of a first heat transfer device of the device in fig. 1 and 2;Fig. 3b discloses a second view of the first heat transfer device in fig. 3a;Fig. 4a discloses a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment according to an embodiment of the invention;Fig. 4b discloses a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment according to a further embodiment of the invention; andFig. 4c discloses a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment according to yet another embodiment of the invention.Detailed descriptionIn fig. 1 is a device 1 for heating a compartment 3 according to an embodiment of the invention schematic disclosed. Furthermore, an arrangement comprising the device 1 and the compartment 3 is seen.The device 1 comprises a heat conduction arrangement 10 comprising an evaporator 20, a compressor 22, a condenser 24, an expansion device 26, a conduction circuit 28, and control unit 30 for controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement 10.The conduction circuit 28 comprises a heat transfer medium, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), ammonia, propane, butane, carbon dioxide, isobutane, dimethyl ether, and etcetera. The conduction circuit 28 connects the evaporator 20, the compressor 22, the condenser 24 and the expansion device 26 in a circuit that enables the heat transfer medium to be conducted to the connected components.The evaporator 20 comprises a first heat transfer device 40. The condenser 24 comprises a second heat transfer device 42. The first heat transfer device 40 is configured to be submerged in a reservoir of water outside the compartment 3 and absorb heat therefrom. The second heat transfer device 42 is configured to be positioned in connection to the compartment 3 for transferring heat absorbed at the first heat transfer device 40 to the compartment 3.The first heat transfer device 40 comprises an elongated body 50, see fig. 3a and 3b. The control unit 30 is configured to control the operation of the heat conduction arrangement 10 so that water in contact with the elongated body 50 of the first heat transfer device 40 freezes to ice. Energy in both the liquid state and in the phase change from water to ice is absorbed and transferred to the second heat exchanger 42. The energy absorbed at the phase change from water to ice is significantly larger than the energy absorbed when reducing the temperature of the water to point of freezing. Accordingly, by means of the operation of the device 1 , a large amount of heat is absorbed and emitted into the compartment 3.With reference to fig. 3a and 3b, an embodiment of the first heat transfer device 40 is disclosed. In fig. 3a is the internal structures of the first heat transfer device 40 disclosed. In fig. 3b is an external view of the first heat transfer device 40 disclosed.The elongated body 50 of the first heat transfer device 40 encloses a portion of the conduction circuit 28. The elongated body 50 is preferably made of a material of high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminium, and etcetera.The elongated body 50 forms a large flat surface S1 for contact with water of the water reservoir. In the disclosed embodiment, the elongated body 50 is formed as a plate comprising the large flat surface S1 on which the water is to be frozen into ice. Preferably, the plate is configured to be submerged in a reservoir of water so that two opposite large flat surfaces S1 of the plate are enabled to freeze water to ice. By means of the large flat surface S1 , ice is configured to be formed and released therefrom.In the disclosed embodiment, the portion of the conduction circuit 28 enclosed by the elongated body 50 is formed into a plurality of hairpins 52. Thereby, enabling heat to efficiently be absorbed from the water to the heat transfer medium.The elongated body 50 further comprises a short surface S2 and the first heat transfer device 40 comprises a ribbon 54 arranged on the short surface S1. The ribbon 54 comprises mainly a material of lower thermal conductivity than the body 50, such as a polymeric material. The ribbon 54 enables an intersection in the ice to be form, which enables release of the formed ice from the large flat surface S1 .The device 1 further comprises means for heating the body 50 for releasing ice from the surface of the body 50. It shall be understood that various means for generating or providing heat to the body 50 may be used. In the disclosed embodiment, the expansion device 26 is configured as a valve that is configured to be controlled by the control unit 30. By controlling the expansion device 26 so that the heat transfer medium is prevented from expansion, heat is conducted to the body 50 for releasing the formed ice on the body 50. In fig. 2a is a device 1 for heating a compartment 3 according to a further embodiment of the invention schematic disclosed.The device 1 in fig. 2 differs from the embodiment in fig. 1 in that the means for heating the body 50 comprises a further conduction circuit 60 adapted to be controlled by the control unit 30 so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the elongated body 50 of the first heat transferring device when its ice is to be released.The further conduction circuit 60 enables the heat conduction arrangement 10 to be operated alternating between absorbing energy at the water reservoir and releasing ice from the body 50 into the water reservoir. After ice has been release form the body 50, energy absorption at the first heat transfer device 40 is improved.The device in fig. 2a further differs from the embodiment in fig. 1 in that the device 1 comprises two heat conduction arrangements 10 connected to the compartment 3. The two heat conduction arrangements 10 comprise respective first heat transferring devices 40.In the disclosed embodiment in fig. 2a, the two heat conduction arrangements 10 comprise respective further conduction circuit 60 comprising control vents 62 adapted to be controlled by the control unit 30 so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the elongated body 50 of the respective first heat transferring device 40 when ice is to be released. The control unit 30 is adapted to control device 1 so that the heat transfer devices 40 of the respective heat conduction arrangements 10 are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device 1. By controlling the device 1 so that the two heat conduction arrangements 10 are in different phase of freezing and heating continuous heating of the compartment 3 is assured.The expression “different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device 1" should be understood that the heat conduction arrangements 10 are operated so that the de-icing of the respective first heat transfer device 40 occurs at different occasions during the operation of the device 1. Accordingly, it is assured that the first heat transfer devices 40 are not de-iced simultaneously.In the disclosed embodiment in fig. 2a-2d, two heat conduction arrangements 10 are arranged sharing the compressor 22 and the condenser 24 comprising the second heat transfer device 42. For this purpose, the connection between the two heat conduction arrangements 10 is provided in a bridge circuit 66 comprising the respective expansion devices 26 and respective further control valves 64 for controlling to the two heat conduction arrangements 10, as will be explained further in connection to fig. 2b-2d.In the disclosed embodiment, the two heat conduction arrangements 10 comprise separate first heat transfer device 40, expansion device 26 and further conduction circuit 60. It shall be understood that device 1 may comprise other plurality of heat conduction arrangements 10.The device 1 in fig. 2 further differs from the embodiment in fig. 1 in that the device 1 further comprises a dehumidifier arrangement 70 comprising a circuit with dehumidifier devices 72, further control valves 74 and a separator device 76.Fig. 2b, 2c and 2d discloses different operation stages of the device 1. The two heat conduction arrangements 10 will further be denoted first heat conduction arrangement 10a and second heat conduction arrangement 10b in connection to the explanation of fig. 2b-2d.In fig. 2b, both the first heat conduction arrangement 10a and the second heat conduction arrangement 10b are in a phase of freezing. The active parts of the device 1 are illustrated in a bold line. Accordingly, the control unit 30 controls the operation so that both the first heat conduction arrangement 10a and second heat conduction arrangement 10b so that water in contact with the respective elongated body 50 of the first heat transfer device 40 freezes to ice.The device 1 is controlled by the control unit 30 so that the further control valves 64 of the bridge circuit 66 is closed and the control vents 62 of the further conduction circuits 60 are closed. Remaining valves in the first heat conduction arrangement 10a and the second heat conduction arrangement 10b are open.In fig. 2c, the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is in the phase of freezing and the further conduction circuit 60 connected to the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is active.The control unit 30 controls the operation so that first heat conduction arrangement 10a is active, The further conduction circuit 60 connected to the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is activated so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the first heat transferring device 40 of the second heat conduction arrangement 10b, and thereby releasing the ice from the first heat transferring device 40 of the second heat conduction arrangement 10b.The device 1 is controlled by the control unit 30 accordingly by means of that the further control valves 64 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is open. The further control valve 64 connected to the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is closed.The control vent 62 of the further conduction circuits 60 connected to the first heat transfer device 40 of the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is open. The control vent 62 of the further conduction circuits 60 connected to the first heat transfer device 40 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is closed.In fig. 2d, the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is in the phase of freezing and the further conduction circuit 60 connected to the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is active.The control unit 30 controls the operation so that second heat conduction arrangement 10b is active. The further conduction circuit 60 connected to the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is activated so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the first heat transferring device 40 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a, and thereby releasing the ice from the first heat transferring device 40 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a.The device 1 is controlled by the control unit 30 accordingly by means of that the further control valve 64 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is closed. The further control valve 64 connected to the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is open.The control vent 62 of the further conduction circuit 60 connected to the first heat transfer device 40 of the second heat conduction arrangement 10b is closed. The control vent 62 of the further conduction circuit 60 connected to the first heat transfer device 40 of the first heat conduction arrangement 10a is open. It shall be understood that the phase of freezing preferably constitutes the main part of the operation time compared to the heating phase for the respective further conduction circuit 60. Accordingly, for the main portion of the operation time, both heat conduction arrangements 10, 10a, 10b are in the phase of freezing as shown in fig. 2b.In fig. 4a is a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment 3 according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed.The method is initiated in a step 110 comprising submerging the elongated body 50 of the first heat transfer device 40 in a reservoir of water outside the compartment 3. In a step 120, the method comprises positioning the second heat transfer device 42 in connection to the compartment 3 for transferring heat absorbed at the first transfer device 40 to the compartment 3. In the steps 110 and 120, the device 1 is prepared for operation and may be performed essentially simultaneous or in reversed order.Subsequently, in a step 130, the method comprises controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement 10 so that water in contact with the elongated body 50 at the reservoir of water freezes to ice. Thereby, energy is absorbed from the water and in the phase transition from water to ice. The absorbed heat is transferred to the second heat exchanger.Fig. 4b discloses a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment 3 according to a further embodiment of the invention.The method in fig. 4b differs from the embodiment in fig. 4a in that it, subsequently to step 130, comprises a step 140 of controlling the device 1 so that the conduction arrangements 10 and the means for heating the body 50 are alternately applied. Accordingly, the device is alternating heating the compartment and is then interrupted to clear the ice from the body 50 of the first heat transfer devices 40.In the case when the means for heating the body 50 comprises the further conduction circuit 60, the step 140 comprises controlling the device 1 so that the conduction circuit 28 and the further conduction circuit 60 are alternately applied.Fig. 4c discloses a flow chart of a method for heating a compartment 3 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The method in fig. 4c differs from the embodiment in fig. 4b in that it is directed to a device 1 comprising two or more heat conduction arrangements 10.The method comprises in a step 142 controlling the heat conduction arrangements 10 and means for heating the body 50 so that the first heat transfer devices 40 of the respective heat conduction arrangements 10 are in different phase of freezing and heating during the operation of the device 1. Various types of means for heating the body 50 may be used such as electric heat element, a further conduction circuit, etcetera.In the case when the means for heating the body 50 comprises two or more respective further conduction circuit 60, the different phase of freezing and heating the first heat transfer devices 40 are obtained in that the respective the conduction circuit 28 and the further conduction circuit 60 are alternately applied.It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims
C l a i m s1. A device (1 ) for heating a compartment (3), the device (1 ) comprises a heat conduction arrangement (10) comprising- an evaporator (20) comprising a first heat transfer device (40),- a compressor (22),- a condenser (24) comprising a second heat transfer device (42),- an expansion device (26),- a conduction circuit (28) connecting the evaporator (20), the compressor (22), the condenser (24) and the expansion device (26) in a circuit, which conduction circuit (28) is adapted to conduct a heat transfer medium, and- a control unit (30) for controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement (10), whereinthe first heat transfer device (40) is configured to be submerged in a reservoir of water outside the compartment (3) and comprising an elongated body (50) enclosing a portion of the conduction circuit (28), wherein the second heat transfer device (42) is configured to be positioned in connection to the compartment (3) for transferring heat absorbed at the first heat transfer device (40) to the compartment (3), and wherein the control unit (30) is configured to control the operation of the heat conduction arrangement (10) so that water in contact with the elongated body (50) of the first heat transfer device (40) freezes to ice, the device (1 ) further comprises means for heating the body (50) for releasing ice from the surface of the body (50), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the means for heating the body (50) is selected from the group consisting of:-a) the expansion device (26) configured as a valve arranged in connection to the compartment (3), wherein the valve is controlled by the control unit (30) so that the heat transfer medium is prevented from expansion; or-b) a further conduction circuit (60) adapted to be controlled so that evaporated heat transfer medium is conducted to the body (50), wherein the control unit (30) is adapted to alternating apply the conduction circuit (28) and the further conduction circuit (60).2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said body (50) is formed as a plate comprising at least one large flat surface (S1 ) on which the water is to be frozen into ice.3. The device (1 ) according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein said portion of the conduction circuit is formed into one or more hairpins (52) within the body (50).4. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) comprises two or more heat conduction arrangements (10) with respective two or more first heat transfer device (40) and respective means for heating the body (50), and which two or more heat conduction arrangements (10) are connected to the compartment (3), wherein the control unit (30) is adapted to control the heat conduction arrangements (10) and means for heating the body (50) so that the first heat transfer devices (40) of the respective heat conduction arrangements (10) are in different phase of freezing and heating during at least a portion of the operation of the device (1).5. The device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said body (50) is formed as a plate, and wherein the first heat transfer device (40) comprises a ribbon (54) arranged at a short end surface (S2) of the body (50), which ribbon (54) mainly comprises a material of lower thermal conductivity than the body (50).6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said ribbon (54) comprises mainly a polymeric material.7. An arrangement comprising the device (1) according to any of claim 1-6 and the compartment (3).8. A method for heating a compartment (3) by means of a device (1 ) according to any of claim 1-6, the method comprises the steps of- submerging the elongated body (50) of the first heat transfer device (40) in a reservoir of water outside the compartment (3),- positioning the second heat transfer device (42) in connection to the compartment (3) for transferring heat absorbed at the first transfer device (40) to the compartment (3)- controlling the operation of the heat conduction arrangement (10) so that water in contact with the elongated body (50) at the reservoir of water freezes to ice, and- releasing ice from the surface of the body (50) by means of heating the body (50) by preventing the heat transfer medium from expansion, or by means of conducting the evaporated heat transfer medium to the body (50) via the further conduction circuit (60).9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises- controlling the device (1) so that the heat conduction arrangements (10) and the means for heating the body (50) are alternately applied.10. The method according to any of claim 8-9, wherein said device (1) comprises two or more heat conduction arrangements (10), wherein the method further comprises:- controlling the heat conduction arrangements (10) and means for heating the body (50) so that the first heat transfer devices (40) of the respective heat conduction arrangements (10) are in different phase of freezing and heating during at least a portion of the operation of the device (1).11. Use of a device (1 ) according to any of claim 1-6.12. Use according to claim 11 , wherein the device (1 ) is used for heating a compartment (3) of a marine structure.Patentkrav1. Anordning (1 ) for oppvarming av et rom (3), hvor anordningen (1 ) omfatter et varmeledningsarrangement (10) som omfatter- en fordamper (20) som omfatter en første varmeoverføringsanordning (40),- en kompressor (22),- en kondensator (24) som omfatter en andre varmeoverføringsanordning (42),- en ekspansjonsanordning (26),- en ledningskrets (28) som forbinder fordamperen (20), kompressoren (22), kondensatoren (24) og ekspansjonsanordningen (26) i en krets, hvilken ledningskrets (28) er innrettet til å lede et vamneoverføringsmedium, og- en styringsenhet (30) for å styre driften av varmeledningsarrangementet (10), hvor den første varmeoverføringsanordningen (40) er konfigurert til å være nedsenket i et reservoar av vann utenfor rommet (3) og omfatter et langstrakt legeme (50) som omslutter et parti av ledningskretsen (28), hvor den andre varmeoverføringsanordningen (42) er konfigurert til å være plassert i forbindelse med rommet (3) for å overføre varme absorbert ved den første varmeoverføringsanordningen (40) til rommet (3), og hvor styringsenheten (30) er konfigurert til å styre driften av varmeledningsarrangementet (10) slik at vann som kommer i kontakt med det langstrakte legemet (50) i den første varmeoverføringsanordningen (40), fryser til is, hvor anordningen (1) videre omfatter middel for oppvarming av legemet (50) for å frigjøre is fra overflaten av legemet (50), k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at middelet for oppvarming av legemet (50) er valgt fra gruppen bestående av: -a) ekspansjonsanordningen (26) konfigurert som en ventil anordnet i forbindelse med rommet (3), idet ventilen er styrt av styringsenheten (30) slik at varmeoverføringsmediet er forhindret fra å ekspandere; ellerb) en ytterligere ledningskrets (60) innrettet for å bli styrt slik at fordampet varmeoverføringsmedium føres til legemet (50), idet styringsenheten (30) er innrettet til vekselvis å anvende ledningskretsen (28) og den ytterligere ledningskretsen (60).2. Anordning (1 ) ifølge krav 1 , hvor legemet (50) er utformet som en plate som omfatter i det minste en stor flat overflate (S1) på hvilken vannet skal fryses til is.3. Anordning (1) ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 og 2, hvor nevnte parti av ledningskretsen er utformet som én eller flere hårnåler (52) i legemet (50).4. Anordning (1 ) ifølge krav 1 , hvor anordningen (1 ) omfatter to eller flere varmeledningsarrangementer (10) med respektive to eller flere første varmeoverføringsanordninger (40) og respektive middel for oppvarming av legemet (50), og hvilke to eller flere varmeledningsarrangementer (10) er forbundet med rommet (3), hvor styreenheten (30) er innrettet til å styre varmeledningsarrangementet (10) og midlet for oppvarming av legemet (50) slik at de f0rste varmeoverf0ringsanordningene (40) av de respektive varmeledningsarrangementer (10) befinner seg i forskjellig fase av frysing og oppvarming under minst en del av driften av anordningen (1 ).5. Anordning (1) if01ge et hvilket som heist av de foregaende krav, hvor nevnte legeme (50) er utformet som en plate, og hvor den f0rste varmeoverf0ringsanordning (40) omfatter et band (54) anordnet ved en kort endeflate (S2) av legemet (50), hvilket band (54) hovedsa­ kelig omfatter et materiale med lavere varmeledningsevne enn legemet (50).6. Anordning (1) if0lge krav 5, hvor bandet (54) hovedsakelig omfatter et polymermateriale.7. Arrangement som omfatter anordningen ( 1) if0lge et hvilket som heist av kravene 1-6 og kammeret (3).8. Framgangsmate for oppvarming av et rom (3) ved hjelp av en anordning (1) if0lge et hvil­ ket som heist av kravene 1-6, hvor framgangsmaten omfatter trinnene- neddykking av den langstrakte kroppen (50) til den f0rste varmeoverf0ringsanordningen (40) i et reservoar av vann utenfor rommet (3) ,- posisjonering av den andre varmeoverf0ringsanordningen (42) i forbindelse med rommet (3) for overf0ring av varme absorbert ved den f0rste overf0ringsanordningen (40), til rom­ met (3)- styring av varmeledningsarrangementets (10) drift slik at vann som kommer i kontakt med det langstrakte legemet (50) i vannreservoaret fryser til is, og- frigj0ring av is fra overflaten av legemet (50) ved oppvarming av legemet (50) ved a hind­ re varmeoverf0ringsmediet fra ekspansjon, eller ved a lede det fordampede varmeoverf0-ringsmediet til legemet (50) via den ytterligere ledningskretsen (60).9. Framgangsmate if0lge krav 8, hvor framgangsmaten videre omfatter- styring av anordningen (1) slik at varmeledningsarrangementene (10) og midlene for opp­ varming av legemet (50) er vekselvis anvendt.10. Framgangsmate if0lge hvilket som heist av kravene 8-9, hvor nevnte anordning (1) omfat­ ter to eller flere varmeledningsarrangementer (10), hvor framgangsmaten videre omfatter: - styring av varmeledningsarrangementene (10) og middelet for oppvarming av legemet (50) slik at de f0rste varmeoverf0ringsanordningene (40) til de respektive varmelednings­ anordningene (10) er i forskjellig fase av frysing og oppvarming under minst en del av drif­ ten av anordningen (1 ).11. Anvendelse av en anordning ( 1) if0lge et hvilket som heist av kravene 1-6.12. Anvendelse if0lge krav 11, hvor anordningen (1) anvendes til oppvarming av et rom (3) i en marin konstruksjon.
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Patent classes

IPC classesF25B 30/06F24D 11/02CPC classesF25B 30/06F24D 11/02

Citations

PL 387938 B1 (B1)US 4187690 A (A)CN 201476407 U (U)DE 4314509 A1 (A1)CN 107036205 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
EUREK AS
Kaigata 26 4280 SKUDENESHAVN NO (KARMØY Municipality, Rogaland county)Org. number: 918719075Inventors
Knut Arild Knutsen
Losvegen 1 4280 SKUDENESHAVN NO (KARMØY Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Org. number: 918752900

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Org. number: 918752900
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