US20150233620A1

US20150233620A1 - Collecting reservoir and method for recovering working medium in sorption devices

Info

Publication number: US20150233620A1
Application number: US14/425,635
Authority: US
Inventors: Niels Braunschweig; Soeren Paulussen; Eythymios Kontogeorgopoulos
Original assignee: INVENSOR GmbH
Current assignee: INVENSOR GmbH
Priority date: 2012-09-11
Filing date: 2013-09-11
Publication date: 2015-08-20
Also published as: WO2014041034A1; AU2013314349A1; KR20150054798A; CN104603556A; JP2015527560A; BR112014032949A2; EP2895804B1; IN2015DN00358A; EP2895804A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sorption device, wherein working medium that escapes when inert gas flows out is collected in a collecting reservoir (1), and wherein said working medium can be returned from the collecting reservoir to a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir. The invention further relates to a method for recovering working medium and the use of a collecting reservoir to collect working medium and return working medium to a sorption process.

Description

PRIOR ART

Sorption devices, in particular sorption cooling machines, are known from the prior art.
Materials and substances present in a sorption system can outgas or can for example release gases as a result of a chemical conversion. These disturbing gases or vapours prevent a rapid sorption process because they make the access of the vaporous working medium to the sorption medium difficult during adsorption or absorption, and prevent or make difficult the access of the vaporous working medium to the condensation surfaces during desorption, both of which result in an extreme slowing down of the heating and/or refrigeration process. The consequence is a substantial drop in performance of these sorption systems. What is referred to here as disturbing gases are generally substances that influence the access of the working medium vapours to the sorption medium and thus impede the sorption process (for example carbon dioxide, nitrogen etc.). The gases are also referred to as inert gases or foreign gases. These substances may be pre-sorbed in the sorption medium, released as a result of a chemical reaction, degassed from the available housing materials or enter via leaks in the system. In summary, this means that in such vacuum sorption devices there is in principle the problem that either outgassing or leaks can lead to an increase in pressure and thus to a degradation of the function of the device.
The prior art describes various means for removing the inert gases from the system of the sorption machine. For example, DE 44 252 B4 discloses a method wherein a binding agent is introduced into the sorption machine. In order to keep the system free of disturbing inert gas or vapour for the sorption process, so that only working medium vapour is present during the vapour phase, a binding agent is added to the sorption system. This binding agent has here the task of binding any inert gases or vapours present or released in the sorption system and thus to extract them from the working medium vapour space. In doing so, it has to be capable of binding as much inert gas or vapour as is released in the sorption system by degassing or a chemical reaction of the substances and materials contained therein. Therefore, in a hermetically sealed sorption system, only a limited amount of inert gas or vapour can occur, and this is usually at the beginning of the sorption cycles. Within this period of time, the binding agent only needs to bind this particular amount of inert gas. Suitable as binding agents are in principle any substances that are capable of binding the inert gases or vapours occurring in a sorption system. However, the binding agent should be able not to release the bound inert gas even in the case of system-related temperature fluctuations. Since most binding agents have a tendency to do so at high temperatures, the binding agent should be positioned at a location where temperatures as low as possible and only minor temperature fluctuations prevail. In a sorption system, the highest temperatures occur in the sorption agent container during sorption as well as during desorption. According to DE 44 44 252 B4, the binding agent is placed in a region where the comparatively lower system temperatures are present, e.g. in the condenser, the evaporator or in the collecting reservoir.
Further, DE 103 10 748 B3 describes a method for removing inert gases from a sorption machine. In this context, an intermediate phase is provided in which, once foreign gases have been detected in the system (for example as a result of an increase in the internal pressure or as a result of an insufficient condenser performance), a process is started which removes these disturbing gases from the vacuum system. Initially, the heat dissipation from the condenser is prevented as completely as possible. Thereafter, heat is for example supplied to the sorber via a burner. The working medium (preferably water), which is driven out of the sorption agent in the form of vapour, initially condenses at the coldest location in the vacuum space and continuously heats the complete vacuum space, which during normal operation is under a vacuum. In the course of this, the pressure rises in the system. If the system pressure exceeds the ambient pressure (as a rule an ambient pressure of 1013 mbar, but other constellations are also possible), a discharge unit (for example and preferably a valve) opens and allows the vaporous content to flow out into the ambient atmosphere. In a fashion, the vapour coming from the sorber therefore gradually “pushes” the foreign gases out. In the course of this, also part of the working medium normally gets lost. Once all the foreign gases have been removed from the system, the discharge unit is closed.
EP 2 357 433 discloses a device that is connected to a sorption machine. Here, a cavity for buffering inert gas is connected in the region of the liquefier. The cavity has an inlet valve in the lower region thereof, and the inlet valve is always covered, on the cavity side, with liquid working medium.
The prior art also discloses a process of removing inert gas, wherein the inert gas collects in the condenser of a sorption machine, in particular an adsorption machine or in a separate device (inert gas collection device). An inert gas collection device is also referred to as an inert gas trap or an inert gas collection device. This device having inert gas and working medium is heated up to overpressure, and subsequently water vapour and inert gas are blown off into the environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,849A describes an absorption machine, wherein non-condensable gases are regularly removed from the system. This document deals with the problem that working medium gets lost as a result of the process of inert gas removal. It is proposed to remove the inert gas via an adsorption process and to expel it only after that. This is supposed to prevent larger amounts of working medium from flowing out with it.
Similar solutions are proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,017A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,322A and U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,074A.
The inert gas removal devices from the prior art have several disadvantages. Thus, the water vapour has to be blown off in a controlled manner, and therefore moisture also collects in the system. As a result of this repeated process, the sorption cold machine gradually loses coolant (in particular water). DE 103 10748 describes devices, but this problem is completely ignored. Here, an amount of working medium (e.g. coolant) that corresponds to the size of the system and is geared to the lifetime of the system is provided during the production of the device. However, this increases the costs of the system and moreover leads to difficulties if the system is supposed to be operated longer than originally planned.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for preventing loss of working medium and for overcoming the problems encountered in the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by means of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments can be seen from the dependent claims.
In a first preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a sorption device, comprising at least one collecting reservoir, a condenser, a desorber and a working medium, wherein the collecting reservoir is directly or indirectly connected to the condenser and wherein at least one throttle element is provided between the collecting reservoir and the condenser, wherein working medium is collected in the collecting reservoir, which escapes when inert gas flows out, and wherein this working medium can be returned from the collecting reservoir into part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.
The wording “into part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir” is meant to refer to the fact that the working medium is discharged from the collecting reservoir, however without leaving the sorption device.
Inert gas can here also be referred to as foreign gas.
A person skilled in the art knows which further components are contained in the sorption device. Preferably, an evaporator is also included. Moreover, an adsorber or an absorber is preferably included. Instead of the adsorber, however, the desorber may also be implemented as an adsorber-desorber unit. In terms of the invention, therefore, a desorber may also act as an adsorber-desorber.
In terms of the invention, the condenser may also be a combined evaporator/condenser unit.
The invention is based on a general rethinking. Conventional sorption devices or sorption units are systems that are sealed as far as possible or are hermetically sealed. So far, experts have normally been trying not to allow any return flow into such a vacuum system. This is also evident from the solution approaches made so far, because the attempts so far made in the prior art have been directed to freeing the inert gas as much as possible from working medium prior to the latter flowing out. This means that attempts have been made to keep the outflow of working medium as low as possible. So far, nobody has thought of returning the working medium. Therefore, the invention pursues a completely novel approach. The aim is no longer to control the loss of working medium itself, but to recover “lost” working medium. The invention allows the working medium to flow out into a region in which ambient pressure prevails (namely into a collecting reservoir). Subsequently, the working medium is returned from the area with ambient pressure back into the vacuum system. Such an approach has so far neither been disclosed nor suggested in the prior art.
As a result of this return, the many and complex solution approaches from the prior art, which address the problem of freeing the inert gas from working medium, become redundant.
The collecting reservoir is a simple and low-cost device that can also be retrospectively fitted to older sorption devices. In this context it is particularly advantageous if the preferred collecting reservoir can be disassembled.
A great advantage of the invention is moreover that the sorption device can be filled, re-filled and/or evacuated via the collecting reservoir.
The collecting reservoir can be installed in any desired way and at any location, as long as the working medium can be completely returned.
The throttle element is preferably selected from the group comprising valves, straight-way valves, angle valves, Y-type valves, magnetic valves, check valves and/or float valves. The throttle element is preferably integrated into a connection means and effects a local narrowing of the flow cross section. Advantageously, different valves, which may be classified according to their geometrical form, may be integrated into a throttle element. As a result of using a valve, the flow rates in the connection means can be accurately and precisely dosed by modifying the nominal diameter and also a secure sealing against the environment may be provided. The throttle elements can advantageously be actuated by hand, by a medium, automatically or electromagnetically.
It is particularly preferred if the throttle element is provided between the collecting reservoir and the condenser and is a valve, a magnetic valve, a slide valve, a check valve, a capillary tube and/or a membrane.
It is preferred if the throttle element is provided with a control between the condenser and the collecting reservoir, which opens the throttle element as soon as a pressure that is higher than that in the collecting reservoir occurs in the condenser. If the throttle element is implemented as a float valve, then the weight of the float valve has to be sufficiently great to ensure that an opening, on or against which it rests, is securely sealed. During the desorption phase, the float valve is lifted by the working medium vapour flowing into the collecting reservoir. The float valve may for example be manufactured from plastic, e.g. polypropylene.
It is preferred if a connection means connects the condenser with the collecting reservoir. In this connection it is particularly preferred if the connection means is at least one tube or an outlet opening. The tube is preferably connected to the condenser and the collecting reservoir in an interlocking or bonded manner. Interlocking connections are preferably achieved by the interengagement of at least two connection partners. Interlocking connections comprise screws, rivets, pins or clamps. The tube can for example be connected to components of the sorption device and the collecting reservoir by means of screws or rivets and corresponding seals.
It is also possible to attach the connection means to the condenser and the collecting reservoir by bonding means. Bonding connections are held together by atomic or molecular forces. They are at the same time non-releasable connections that can be released only by destruction. Bonded connections comprise soldering, welding or adhesion.
In terms of the invention, the working medium can preferably be a fluid or a coolant. Particularly preferred is the use of water as a working medium.
Particularly preferred is the sorption device, which moreover includes an inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir can be connected to the condenser via this inert gas trap. However, it is also preferred that the collecting reservoir is part of the inert gas trap. This means that the collecting reservoir does not necessarily have to be a separate component.
This is the described indirect connection of the collecting reservoir and the condenser. This indirect connection is preferably realised by the inert gas trap. Therefore, the collecting reservoir is connected to the condenser via the inert gas trap. In this embodiment, at least one described connection means is located between the collecting reservoir and the inert gas trap and at least one connection means is located between the condenser and the inert gas trap.
The above-described preferred embodiments of throttle elements and connections are also preferred for this variant of the invention.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the advantages of the inert gas trap are combined with the advantages of the return through the collecting reservoir. As a result of the inert gas trap, which is preferably an inert gas trap according to WO 2012/069048, no vacuum pump, binding substance or any noteworthy use of energy is needed for the evacuation of the foreign gases. The evacuation of the foreign gases can be carried out during the ongoing, continuous operation of the sorption device. However, it may also be advantageous to collect the foreign gases in the inert gas trap, until a certain overall pressure is present in the reservoir, and only then to remove the gases from the reservoir. As a result of the achieved self-evacuation of the machine, maintenance requirements can be greatly reduced. The disclosure of WO2012069048 is included in the present application.
What is also preferred is the sorption device, wherein a first throttle element is provided between the inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir and a second throttle element is provided between the condenser and the inert gas trap. This embodiment is preferred because both the inflow of the inert gas into the trap and the outflow into the collecting reservoir can be controlled.
What is particularly preferred is if the throttle element that is provided between the collecting reservoir and the inert gas trap is a valve, a magnetic valve, a slide valve, a check valve, a capillary tube and/or a membrane. This embodiment is advantageous because these throttle elements realise an effective seal.
It is also preferred that the inert gas trap can be heated. Thus, by heating the inert gas trap, the pressure inside the trap is increased. The pressure reached will remain in the vacuum range. This is advantageous because the amount of air taken in is in particular a function of the pressure differential between the sorption device or the inert gas trap and the environment. If the pressure achieved remains in the vacuum range, the pressure differential is substantially reduced.
What is further preferred is the sorption device, with the collecting reservoir comprising internal baffle plates. This is particularly advantageous in order to achieve a condensation of vaporous working media in the collecting reservoir. As a result of the baffle plates, the vapour of the working medium has a long and indirect path to the outside. In addition, the vapour has to flow through the already collected liquid. What is also preferred is a different type of technical means for separating the drops entrained in the flow. A person skilled in the art will know other possibilities for separating drops from the vapour, without themselves exercising inventive skill.
In terms of the invention, a sorption device may be an adsorption machine, in particular an adsorption cooling machine or an adsorption heat pump. In terms of the invention, a sorption device may also be an absorption machine. The problem of inert gas removal and the associated loss of working medium is a principal problem of sorption processes. Therefore, the reservoir can advantageously be used both for adsorption and for absorption systems. It was completely surprising that the collecting reservoir can be universally used and can be adapted to different system configurations. Advantageously, the collecting reservoir can be used for single-chamber systems, but also for systems with two or more chambers. Moreover, it can be simply and quickly adapted to other types of sorption machines. To this end, the machines substantially don't need any apparatus-related modifications. In terms of the invention, the system configuration preferably refers to the configuration of the sorption device, i.e. for example the internal hydraulic wiring of the components of the sorption device, the internal coolant-side wiring of the components or the modified basic structure of the sorption device (i.e. the number of adsorbers, the operation of the evaporator, of the condenser etc.).
The adsorption cooling machine comprises at least an adsorber and a desorber and/or an adsorber/desorber unit, an evaporator, a condenser and/or a combined evaporator/condenser unit, which are accommodated in a common container or in separate containers, which are then connected to each other via pipes or the like for the flow of coolant. The advantage of the sorption machines compared to conventional heat pump technology lies in the fact that the process of adsorption/desorption is carried out solely by tempering the sorption agent. Thus, the container of the adsorption machine can be sealed in a hermetical and gas-tight manner. The use of for example water as a coolant means that the adsorption cooling machine preferably operates in the vacuum range.
The adsorption taking place in an adsorption machine describes a physical process, wherein a gaseous working medium, preferably a coolant (for example water vapour), accumulates on a solid. The desorption of the coolant, i.e. the release of the coolant from the solid, in turn requires energy. In an adsorption cooling machine, the coolant, which at low temperatures and low pressures takes up heat and at higher temperatures and higher pressures gives off heat, is selected such that the adsorption or desorption is accompanied by a change of state of aggregation. As adsorption agents, the prior art describes substances that have fine pores and therefore have a very large inner surface. Advantageous materials are active carbon, zeolites, aluminium oxide or silica gel, aluminium phosphates, silica aluminium phosphates, metal silica aluminium phosphates, mesostructure silicates, organometallic backbones and/or microporous material, comprising microporous polymers. The adsorption material can advantageously be applied in different ways, which means by filling, adhesion and/or crystallisation. By way of these different types of application, the adsorption machine can be adapted to various requirements. Thus, the machine can be adapted to its location or to the coolant. Moreover, the layer thickness of the adsorption material is a crucial factor for the performance of the adsorption machine.
The collecting reservoir is preferably made from metal and/or plastic. It has been found that as a result of this, a low-cost collecting reservoir for collecting working medium can be provided, which can also withstand high and fluctuating pressures and temperatures.
The collecting reservoir can here be connected to an existing sorption unit. The collecting reservoir will preferably be connected to an inert gas trap (also referred to as a trap). However, the collecting reservoir may also be part of the sorption device or of a vacuum, wherein this part is divided off for example by a partition.
The size of the collecting reservoir is not crucial for its function and only determines the frequency of the emptying process.
The shape of the collecting reservoir is preferably selected such that the working medium (e.g. water) that has flowed in can completely flow back. For example, a funnel-shaped form is preferred. It may be advantageous if the container is shaped to be conical, and experiments have shown that other shapes of the container are also functional and may therefore be used.
It is particularly preferred if the collecting reservoir has an opening. The advantage is that this ensures the pressure to be balanced with the ambient air. Thus, no positive pressure is generated if the inert gas with working medium flows into the collecting reservoir and no vacuum pressure is generated, if the condensate is sucked or guided back. As a result of the opening, the pressure in the collecting reservoir will always be maintained at an ambient pressure level.
In this connection it is preferred if the opening is kept as small as possible. In this way it is ensured that the entire working medium can be returned from the collecting reservoir. This means that the only working medium losses would be as a result of the evaporation from the collecting reservoir into the environment. This is minimised or prevented by providing a correspondingly very small opening to the environment.
It is particularly preferred if the working medium is returned in a liquid form. The vapour of the working medium advantageously condenses on the inner surface of the collecting reservoir. In order to support condensation or to enforce it, an improved discharge of the condensation heat may be prudent. Advantageously, this is realised as follows:

- by cooling fins (passive cooling, natural convection) and/or
- by a fan (active cooling, forced convection) and/or
- by a connection to a cold source (compression or sorption cooling machine, Peltier element, but especially also to the evaporator of the sorption device or by evaporation cooling within the inert gas trap) and/or
- by increasing the thermal mass of the collecting reservoir.

Moreover it is preferred that the sorption device comprises several collecting reservoirs which are disposed one after the other. Thus, the invention can also be implemented in several stages, so that a plurality of collecting reservoirs are connected one after the other or a plurality of inert gas traps are connected in series or parallel with one or more collecting reservoirs. This embodiment allows a particularly effective removal of the inert gases, at the same time with almost complete recovery of the working medium exiting with it.
In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method for recovering working medium with a sorption process of a described sorption device, wherein exited working medium, which has escaped during the removal of inert gases, is collected in a collecting reservoir and is returned from the collecting reservoir to a different part of the sorption device.
It is preferred here if the collecting reservoir is under ambient pressure. In this way it is ensured that the inert gas can escape via an opening in the collecting reservoir.
Preferably, the method comprises the following steps:

- a. introducing a vaporous working medium from the desorber or the desorber unit into the condenser, wherein the working medium at least partially condenses in the condenser and the inert gas collects in the condenser,
- b. increasing the pressure in the condenser, preferably by heating,
- c. opening a throttle element provided between the condenser and the collecting reservoir, so that inert gas and working medium flow from the condenser into the collecting reservoir,
- d. collecting the working medium in the collecting reservoir,
- e. returning the working medium into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

In the prior art, the working medium with the inert gas would flow out into the environment. The usual objective was to minimise the loss of working medium, by ensuring that as little working medium as possible flows out with the inert gas. However, the invention solves this problem in a different way. Here it is preferred that working medium flows out, because it is collected in the collecting reservoir. As long as it is ensured that the working medium is returned, the system will not lose any working medium.
As a result of the heating of the condenser in step b, the pressure is increased, so that the inert gas can flow out into the collecting reservoir once the throttle element has been opened.
If a sorption device with an inert gas trap is used, the method preferably comprises the following steps:

- (i) cooling the inert gas trap using a cooling element to a temperature that is lower, the same or similar to that of the condenser,
- (ii) introducing a vaporous working medium from the desorber or the desorber unit into the condenser, wherein the working medium in the condenser at least partially condenses and the inert gas collects in the condenser,
- (iii) opening the throttle element provided between the condenser and the inert gas trap, so that inert gas and vaporous working medium flow through the condenser into the inert gas trap,
- (iv) heating the inert gas trap,
- (v) opening the throttle element provided between the inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir, through which throttle element the inert gas and the working medium flow out from the inert gas trap into the collecting reservoir,
- (vi) collecting the working medium in the collecting reservoir,
- (vii) returning the working medium into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

The steps are substantially similar. However, the inert gas is here initially guided into the inert gas trap. In this trap, the pressure will then be increased by heating, so that the inert gas can flow out of the collecting reservoir when the throttle element is opened.
Preferably, the working medium is passed from the collecting reservoir back into the inert gas trap or the condenser. The return can be carried out by return suction, for example by means of vacuum pressure.
In both cases the essential method steps can be depicted as follows:
Working medium flows out of the inert gas trap or the condenser. This working medium flowing out may be present either in the form of drops or as vapour. These drops or the vapour will be collected by the collecting reservoir, where the vapour condenses. After a certain amount of time, the working medium is guided back into the sorption device. The return preferably takes place when a certain amount of working medium has been reached in the collecting reservoir. This can be carried out e.g. in such a way that the amount of working medium present in the collecting reservoir is measured or the return is carried out in certain time intervals (or cycles), which may be synchronised with the operating mode of the inert gas trap.
In this collecting reservoir, when the inert gas flows out, the working medium (preferably coolant, particularly preferably water) that automatically flows out with it is collected. The working medium may be collected in the form of drops or vapour, and this vapour is then condensed in the collecting reservoir. In a second step, the water is then returned into the sorption system.
During the return, it is possible or even very likely that also air and/or inert gas is sucked or passed into the system, above all into the condenser or into the inert gas trap. However, this is not disadvantageous because the inert gas will be discharged more often than the working medium is returned. For example, an outflow of inert gas can take place ten times, and subsequently a return of working medium can take place, so that a ninefold “net outflow” of inert gas will have taken place.
In this way, the working medium will be recovered from a plurality of inert gas removal procedures. The preferred collecting reservoir is compatible with various sorption machines known from the prior art and can be universally used. The sucked air can either be directly removed after the return of the working medium using the traditional method or may remain in the system and may in particular gradually be removed together with the newly developing inert gas. The latter possibility preferably only applies in a case when the sucked air is minimal and the ratio between removed inert gas and sucked air is positive.
The amount of sucked air is in particular a function of the pressure differential between the part of the sorption device, into which the working medium is returned (e.g. the condenser or the inert gas trap) and the ambient air. At room temperature, the pressure of the inert gas trap will e.g. be approx. 50 mbar, whereas ambient pressure is 1000 mbar. A pressure differential of 950 mbar will lead to the working medium being sucked out of the collecting reservoir when the throttle element is opened. However, in the case of this relatively high pressure differential, a large amount of air will be sucked as well.
It is therefore preferred if the part of the sorption device, into which the working medium is to flow, i.e. for example the inert gas trap, is heated. However, in this case it has to be considered that it is advantageous that a certain amount of vacuum pressure still remains, so that the working medium can be returned as a result of the vacuum pressure. However, also other return methods are conceivable.
It has proved to be particularly advantageous to heat the part of the sorption device, into which the working medium is returned, which means for example the inert gas trap, to 50° C. to 90° C., particularly preferably to 80° C. As a result, the pressure rises to approx. 900 mbar. This means that the pressure differential with the ambient pressure will only be approx. 100 mbar instead of 950 mbar.
It is particularly preferred if the part of the sorption device, into which the working medium is returned, which means for example the inert gas trap or the condenser, is provided with a pressure sensor. This sensor detects the pressure increase as a result of the opening of the throttle element. If pressure compensation has taken place, the working medium has been returned either completely or almost completely. This embodiment is particularly advantageous, because it can be ascertained in a simple manner when the return has been completed.
In particular, a collecting reservoir or an area of the inert gas trap for the working medium, in particular the coolant, is provided, and this is connected to an inert gas trap or the system of the sorption machine, preferably the adsorption machine and particularly preferably the adsorption cooling machine.
In a further preferred embodiment the invention relates to the use of the described collecting reservoirs for collecting and returning working medium in a sorption process, wherein the collecting reservoir is mounted on a sorption unit and wherein the working medium flows, during the removal of inert gas, from the sorption unit into the collecting reservoir, and the working medium flowing out is returned into the sorption unit.
The term sorption unit preferably refers to a sorption device without a collecting reservoir. A person skilled in the art will know which components have to be included in such a sorption unit in order to be able to carry out a sorption process.
One advantage of the invention is that the collecting reservoir can here be connected to an existing sorption unit. The collecting reservoir is preferably connected to an inert gas trap.
The collecting reservoir is a simple and low-cost device, which can also be retrofitted into older sorption units. It is here particularly advantageous if the preferred collecting reservoir can be demounted.
Particularly preferred is the use of the collecting reservoir where the collecting reservoir is connected to an adsorption cooling machine. The use of such sorption devices has proved to be particularly advantageous, because in this way large amounts of working medium can be saved.

FIGURES

The invention will be explained by means of exemplary figures, however it is not limited thereto, because the embodiment of the collecting reservoir and of the system has only been shown in a schematic form. Above all, the figures only show the variants of a separated collecting reservoir on a separated inert gas trap. However, one or both elements may also be installed in the sorption device. Moreover, the figures do not show the entire sorption device. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a preferred collecting reservoir 1 that is connected to a throttle element 2;

FIG. 2 shows a preferred collecting reservoir 1 that is connected to a condenser 3 via a throttle element 2;

FIG. 3 shows a preferred collecting reservoir 1 that is connected to a condenser 3 via an inert gas trap 4. In this connection, a throttle element 2 is provided between the collecting reservoir 1 and the inert gas trap 4 and a further throttle element 2 is located between the inert gas trap 4 and the condenser 3.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Collecting reservoir
2 Throttle element
3 Condenser
4 Inert gas trap

Claims

1. A sorption device comprising

at least one collecting reservoir,

a condenser,

a desorber and

a working medium,

wherein the at least one collecting reservoir is directly or indirectly connected to the condenser, and wherein at least one throttle element is provided between the collecting reservoir and the condenser,

wherein the sorption device is configured so that working medium that escapes during the flowing out of inert gas is collected in the collecting reservoir, and

said working medium can be returned from the collecting reservoir into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

2. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorption device moreover comprises an inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir is connected to the condenser via said inert gas trap.

3. The sorption device as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first throttle element is provided between the inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir and a second throttle element is provided between the condenser and the inert gas trap.

4. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting reservoir comprises internal baffle plates.

5. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorption device is an adsorption device.

6. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting reservoir has at least one opening.

7. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sorption device comprises a plurality of collecting reservoirs arranged in a row.

8. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting reservoir is made from metal and/or plastic.

9. The sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collecting reservoir comprises a coolant source and/or cooling fins.

10. A method for recovering working medium in a sorption process of a sorption device as claimed in claim 1, wherein

exited working medium that has escaped during the removal of inert gases is collected in the collecting reservoir and is returned from the collecting reservoir into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, comprising the following steps:

a. introducing a vaporous working medium from the desorber into the condenser, wherein the working medium at least partially condenses in the condenser and the inert gas collects in the condenser,

b. increasing pressure in the condenser,

c. opening a throttle element provided between the condenser and the collecting reservoir, wherein the inert gas and the working medium flow from the condenser into the collecting reservoir,

d. collecting the working medium in the collecting reservoir, and

e. returning the working medium into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein

the collecting reservoir is connected to the condenser via an inert gas trap, and wherein the method comprises:

(i) cooling the inert gas trap using a cooling element to a temperature that is lower, the same or similar to that of the condenser,

(ii) introducing a vaporous working medium from the desorber or a desorber unit into the condenser, wherein the working medium at least partially condenses in the condenser and the inert gas collects in the condenser,

(iii) opening a throttle element provided between the condenser and the inert gas trap, wherein the inert gas and vaporous working medium flow from the condenser into the inert gas trap,

(iv) heating the inert gas trap,

(v) opening a throttle element provided between the inert gas trap and the collecting reservoir, through which the inert gas and the working medium flow out from the inert gas trap into the collecting reservoir,

(vi) collecting the working medium in the collecting reservoir, and

(vii) returning the working medium into a part of the sorption device that is different from the collecting reservoir.

13. A method for collecting and returning working medium in a sorption process, wherein

the collecting reservoir is attached to a sorption unit and wherein the working medium flows, during the removal of inert gas from a sorption unit, into a collecting reservoir, and wherein the working medium that flowed out is returned into the sorption unit.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the working medium is returned in a liquid form.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the working medium condenses in the collecting reservoir.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the collecting reservoir is connected to an inert gas trap of the sorption unit.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the working medium is sucked back by vacuum pressure.

18. The method of claim 5, wherein the sorption device is an adsorption cooling machine.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the pressure in the condenser is increased by heating.