Patent EP-2180038-A2 (EP)
Title: Installation for generating a climatic environment comprising at least one environmental research cell capable of receiving a sample to be studied
Inventor: VERDIER BRUNO
IPC: C12M1/00
Filed: 2009-10-14
Abstract: The installation comprises a cell (1) for environmental study capable to receive a sample to be studied, a unit (5) for generating a climatic environment to modify the state of the atmosphere of each study cell, and an electronic system and/or computer for controlling the installation. The system (2) is arranged for controlling the unit for generating a climatic environment. The installation is made in the form of modules for prefabricated construction, rectangular, transportable and connected with each other. One of the modules incorporates a device for producing and storing hot fluid. The installation comprises a cell (1) for environmental study capable to receive a sample to be studied, a unit (5) for generating a climatic environment to modify the state of the atmosphere of each study cell, and an electronic system and/or computer for controlling the installation. The system (2) is arranged for controlling the unit for generating a climatic environment. The installation is made in the form of modules for prefabricated construction, rectangular, transportable and connected with each other. One of the modules incorporates a device for producing and storing hot fluid and cold fluid for feeding in the generation unit. The modules (M1, M'1) form single module different from modules (M2, M3, M'2, M'3) integrating the environmental cell. Each cell for environmental study houses within its chamber is removable from one another. A receptacle (3) is arranged for receiving the sample, and equipped with independent unit for heating/cooling of the sample by an operating unit of heating/cooling of the atmosphere fitted with the cell. The heating/cooling unit of a receptacle and the unit for heating/cooling of the atmosphere of a cell are formed respectively by a heat exchanger of which the source of feeding fluid is formed by the device for production of hot fluid and cold fluid. The receptacle is formed of a cylindrical tank having heat insulating outer wall for receiving sample to be studied and a base on which the tank is in erect position. The base is equipped with three weight sensors having independent reading. The weight sensors are distributed on the surface of the base and solicited as supporting the tank on the base while the tank has a body of the tubular tank comprising a double wall divided into two spaced areas along the longitudinal axis of the tank. Each area defines an annular volume controllable in temperature with the help of fluid obtained from the device for production and storage of hot fluid or cold fluid forming the heat exchanger suitable for cooling or heating the contents of the tank. Each heat exchanger is heat insulated from other heat exchangers. The device for producing and storing hot fluid and cold fluid comprises two balls for fluid storage, in which one ball is for hot fluid and the other is for cold fluid. The unit for production of cold and hot fluid is formed by a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, a regulator and an evaporator interconnected by a main circuit for circulating refrigerant. The condenser and the evaporator form a heat exchanger with the fluid contained in one of the balls. The refrigeration system further comprises a common heat discharge system as evaporator and condenser. The heat discharge system is formed by a hot air exchanger/cooling agent laid on a secondary circuit formed by a branch of the portion of the main circuit for feeding refrigerant in the condenser in one part and other part by a branch of the portion of the main circuit for feeding refrigerant of the evaporator. Each branch has a controlled refrigerant supply according to the pressure and/or the temperature prevailing in the main circuit for circulating refrigerant. The installation further comprises two environmental cells, a single room present in the form of a single module, which is common to all cells. Each environmental cell has a room for forming a bonding interface between the module incorporating the device for production and storing of hot fluid and cold fluid. The room is equipped with a unit for connecting first module incorporating the device for production and storing hot fluid and cold fluid. The unit for production of environmental climate conditions of a cell further comprises a humidifier of air, a drier, a compressor, fans, a sprinkling unit, a lighting unit, a unit for suction of air from the cell enclosure, an air inlet unit in the cell enclosure. A sensor is arranged for measuring temperature. A hygrometer, an anemometer, a sensor for measuring pressure, a sensor of gas content and a unit of addressing measurement results of the unit for control by electronic system and/or computer for controlling the installation are arranged in the installation. Each rectangular environmental cell forms a box-type structure equipped with an inlet chamber inside the box. A hidden window, a heater and a removable lateral door are arranged inside the cell with excess pressure.