Modular Air-Conditioning System and Method for the Operation Thereof

Abstract

A modular climate control system, particularly for generating cold and/or heat, includes one or more modules, a working medium or coolant being condensed, liquefied, relieved and re-evaporated in a circuit in the modules, and the heat and/or cold generated in the process is delivered to corresponding secondary circuits via heat exchangers. High flexibility in the use of the system, and tremendous simplification in the set-up and modification are achieved because a common collector including collector tubes is provided for several modules. The modules are detachably connected to the collector, and the collector connects the modules to the respective secondary circuits.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A modular air-conditioning system for cold and/or heat generation, comprising one or more modules, wherein, in each module, a working medium or refrigerant is compressed, condensed, depressurized and evaporated again in a circuit, and the heat or cold generated is discharged to corresponding secondary circuits via heat exchangers, wherein a common collector is provided for the modules which is constructed from a plurality of collecting tubes and to which the modules are releasably connected, and which connects the modules to the corresponding secondary circuits. 
     
     
         22 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the collector constructed from the collecting tubes extends horizontally in a longitudinal direction, wherein a series of reception spaces for the reception of modules are provided on the collector in the longitudinal direction, wherein the collecting tubes are formed continuously over a plurality of reception spaces, and wherein, to connect the modules to the collecting tubes, corresponding outlets are provided on the collecting tubes in the region of a reception space. 
     
     
         23 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the collector comprises a rack which extends in the longitudinal direction and stands on the floor and in which the reception spaces for receiving the modules are left free, and wherein the collecting tubes are fastened to the rack. 
     
     
         24 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the collecting tubes are mounted in the rack above the reception spaces for receiving the modules. 
     
     
         25 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the collecting tubes are mounted in the rack in a plurality of planes lying one above the other. 
     
     
         26 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the collector has, per secondary circuit, two collecting tubes for a forward run and a return run of a secondary medium in the corresponding secondary circuits, and wherein the collecting tubes for the forward run and the collecting tubes for the return run are mounted on different planes. 
     
     
         27 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein each of the modules is assigned at least one control loop containing regulating valves, wherein the control loop is arranged hydraulically between the associated module and the collecting tubes, and wherein the control loop is fastened to the rack. 
     
     
         28 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein each module stands independently in its reception space on the floor, and wherein the associated control loops are connected on one side directly to the outlets of the collecting tubes and on the other side via hose connections to the module. 
     
     
         29 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the control loops comprises a pump which is arranged in one of the secondary circuits of the associated module. 
     
     
         30 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein each module is accommodated in a specific rack and stands with adjustable feet on the floor. 
     
     
         31 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein each of the collecting tubes of the collector is dimensioned such that the overall cross section of the outlets of the collecting tubes which lead to the modules is smaller than the cross section of the collecting tube itself. 
     
     
         32 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein respective switch cabinets are provided for supplying the modules or the associated control loops with electrical energy and control signals. 
     
     
         33 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein the switch cabinets are fastened in each case to the associated module. 
     
     
         34 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein at least one control cable and one junction cable are provided for each electrical connection between the modules and the associated switch cabinets, and wherein at least the connection by means of the control cable is pluggable. 
     
     
         35 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein each of the modules comprises at least one compressor, a controllable injection valve, an evaporator and a condenser, and wherein the external dimensions of the modules are selected such that they can be transported through any door having a free passage of 80 cm. 
     
     
         36 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein at least one of the modules additionally has an internal heat exchanger and a stabilizer. 
     
     
         37 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein at least one of the modules additionally has a deheater and/or a supercooler. 
     
     
         38 . The modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the collectors are capable of being lined up with one another. 
     
     
         39 . A method for operating a modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein, after failure of one of the modules during continuous operation, hydraulic connections of the failed module to the collector are disconnected, the failed module is uncoupled from the collector and replaced by a new module of identical type, the new module is connected to the collector, and hydraulic connections to the collector are reconnected. 
     
     
         40 . A method for operating a modular air-conditioning system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein, to vary the characteristic or capacity of the system during continuous operation, the hydraulic connections of a selected module to the collector are disconnected, the selected module is uncoupled from the collector and replaced by a new module of another type or capacity, the new module is connected to the collector, and the hydraulic connections to the collector are reconnected, or an additional module is connected to the collector.