WO2023057915A1 - Improvement made to a device and to an associated method for saving heat energy and water in a sanitary installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for regulating the pressure of a sanitary hot water circuit and, consequently, a flow rate of hot water exiting at least one outlet forming part of a sanitary hot water distribution installation having at least one source of hot water supplying a pump (2) that pressurizes the hot water, at least one circuit of small-bore pipes (5.2) conveying the pressurized hot water to at least one outlet (41), and a regulating system is characterized in that the regulating system has a pressure reducer (90) positioned upstream of each small-bore hot water circuit, and in that the device has means for determining the pressure in each small-bore pipe (5.2) at the outlet or outlets and for transmitting this pressure information to the corresponding pressure reducer (90) at the outlet or outlets. The invention also relates to the method implementing this device.

Description

Improvement of a device and an associated process for saving heat energy and water in a sanitary installation. Technical area.

The invention relates to installations intended to deliver domestic hot water quickly without waste to the points of use, for example taps or mixing valves. The invention relates in particular to a device and an associated method for regulating the flow of domestic hot water in these installations.

Prior technique.

The figure numbers and the references to these figures cited in this “Prior Technique” paragraph are those of the international application WO2017216432.

The patent application WO2017216432 describes an installation intended to quickly deliver domestic hot water without waste to the draw-off points, for example taps or mixer taps. Several embodiments are represented therein, including that of the (from wo2017216432) which includes pressure reducers. This embodiment compared to the other two embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4 of wo2017216432) optimizes energy savings when several circuits are called upon at the same time.

There (from wo2017216432) shows an operating mode which uses pressure reducers (9) which are naturally internally piloted, because the pressure information is detected in the pressure reducer which makes it possible to have the desired pressure (for example 3 bars) at the point of use. The problem is that pressure reducers generate annoying noise pollution for users. These noise nuisances have two distinct origins: on the one hand, they come from the pressure reducer (9) which emits an unpleasant whistle near the user, due to the strong restriction of the passage of the fluid. On the other hand, because the small section pipe (3) is constantly subjected to the maximum pressure, it remains rigid and transmits well the sounds and vibrations emitted by the pump and by the motor, and more particularly the pulsations of the pump (variations in flow) when it is a piston pump. When the pipe is in contact with the walls of the building, the sound is amplified. It is then perceptible by those around the user and can easily exceed a maximum threshold set by standards and regulations.

To remedy this, it is tempting to install the pressure reducers upstream of the small section circuit (3), far from the draw-off points. It is then necessary to significantly increase the set pressure of the reducer with internal piloting, to take into account the pressure drops in the circuit of small section between the reducer and the point of use, in order to have the required pressure (3 bars) at the draw-off points. However, this solution does not make it possible to guarantee the same pressure (3 bars) at the draw-off point in all cases of use because the pressure drops in the small-section circuit (3) depend in particular on the length of the pipes but also on the debit. Therefore, moving these conventional pressure reducers upstream would prevent satisfactory operation of the installation for users.

Disclosure of Invention.

According to the invention, the device making it possible to regulate the pressure of a domestic hot water circuit and consequently a flow rate of hot water leaving at least one draw-off point forming part of a water distribution installation domestic hot water comprising at least one source of hot water pressurized by a pump, at least one circuit of small-section pipes bringing the hot water under pressure to at least one draw-off point, and a regulation system is characterized in that the regulation system comprises a pressure reducer placed upstream of each small-section hot water circuit and in that the device comprises means for determining the pressure in each small-section pipe at the point(s) ( s) draw-off and to transmit this pressure information to the pressure reducer corresponding to the draw-off point(s).

For greater clarity, the term “upstream of each small-section hot water circuit” means downstream of the pump, in series on each small-section distribution circuit and away from the point of use. When there are several small section circuits, the pressure reducers are ideally grouped together and assembled together. The regulation system comprises several organs ideally grouped together, forming a component called the regulation module.
The set point value for the domestic water pressure at each draw-off point is preferably of the order of three bars, regardless of the number of draw-off points in service.

The first advantages of the device according to the invention are multiple. In particular when several small-section circuits are used at the same time, several users can obtain domestic hot water quickly at the draw-off points regardless of the flow rate requested, without wasting energy and without noise pollution.

The means for determining the pressure in each pipe of small section at the level of each draw-off point and for transmitting this pressure information to the pressure reducer corresponding to the draw-off point(s) can be achieved in different ways: pressure information at each point of use is either detected by a pressure sensor which sends an electrical signal via a wire or any other electronic means to the corresponding pressure reducers, or by a pipe full of water which transmits the pressure of the point of use to the corresponding pressure reducer. This second solution will be preferred in installations already equipped with traditional pipes of larger section in which or outside of which the pipes of small section run. These larger section pipe circuits, full of water, transmit the pressure information from the draw-off points to the corresponding pressure reducers upstream of each small section hot water circuit.

According to an improvement, these traditional pipes of larger section are each provided with a solenoid valve connected in parallel. When these solenoid valves are open, part of the domestic water at the draw-off points returns from the draw-off points upstream, which makes it possible, firstly, to supply hot water even more quickly to the draw-off point regardless of the flow rate requested by the user, and secondly to recover the thermal energy contained in the pipes after each use according to a method described below.

The invention also relates to a method implementing the above device. It includes the following steps: Opening of the draw-off point, detection of the hot water demand at the draw-off point, automated opening of the solenoid valve causing a drop in pressure in the traditional larger-section pipe, opening complete with the pressure reducer allowing the transfer of a maximum flow of hot water in the pipe of small section, the arrival of hot water at the point of use and the return of part of the flow via the pipe of more large section at the hot water source, automated closing of the solenoid valve, regulation of the flow in the pressure reducer during the entire phase of use according to the demand at the point of use, closing of the point of use which generates a rise in pressure completely closing the pressure reducer.

According to a variant of the device and the associated method, presented in the detailed description below, the calories of the domestic hot water contained in the pipes after closing the draw-off points are recovered, which further improves the savings a little more. energy and reduces the risk of bacteria proliferating in domestic hot water pipes.

is a schematic view of the domestic hot water distribution installation equipped with the control device according to the invention.

is a schematic view of a variant of the domestic hot water distribution device, equipped with three regulation modules (5) according to the invention.

is a diagram of the hydraulic functions of the regulation module (5), also visible on the .

is a sectional view of the pressure reducer (90) according to the invention.

Description of embodiments.

The device according to the invention, schematized on the , uses specific pressure reducers (90) placed upstream of the small section pipes (5.2). Their function is not to directly reduce the pressure as conventional pressure reducers would. The pressure reducers (90) according to the invention use an external downstream control allowing the flow rate to be varied in the small section pipes (5.2), in order to obtain a predetermined adjustable pressure (example 3 bars) at their other ends, at the draw-off point(s) (41).

The role of the pressure reducer (90) is to transform the pressure information into flow rate. When the pressure at the draw-off point (41) is below the set pressure, the flow increases, and conversely when the pressure is above the set pressure, the flow decreases. The pressure reducer (90) is an integral part of the regulation module (5)

The order of the elements according to the invention is as follows: at least one hot water source (20) pressurized by a pump (2), at least one regulation module (5) comprising at least one pressure reducer (90), at least one small section pipe (5.2), at least one draw-off point (41).

Each circuit must include a means (5.1) which takes the pressure information at the point of use (41) and which transmits it instantaneously to the pressure reducer (90) to control its flow. This means is materialized in Figures 2, 3 and 4 by a control pipe (5.1) filled with water.

According to a variant of the invention not detailed in this description, the pressure information can be transmitted by another means (example: radio, mechanical, hydraulic or electrical, etc.).

1. Le sifflement et les vibrations émis par les réducteurs de pression (90) situés dans la chaufferie ne dérangent pas les utilisateurs.
2. La pression dans le tuyau de petite section est tout d’abord réduite au niveau du réducteur de pression (90), puis elle décroit progressivement tout le long du parcours pour arriver à une pression standard prédéterminée (exemple : 3 bars) au(x) point(s) de puisage. Il n’y a donc jamais de forte pression à proximité des point(s) de puisage (41), et donc moins de danger pour les utilisateurs et les intervenants.
3. Le tuyau de petite section (5.2) qui est soumis à une pression moins importante reste plus souple. Il absorbe ainsi plus facilement les sons, les vibrations et/ou les pulsations de la pompe entendus ou ressentis au contact du tuyau.
4. Le raccordement au(x) point(s) de puisage s’effectue traditionnellement par le plombier sans se soucier de la haute pression en amont.
5. Le volume de métal du régulateur (9) de l’art antérieur, refroidit l’eau chaude à son contact avant d’arriver à l’utilisateur. Ce qui est néfaste à la fonction principale du dispositif (confort & économie d’eau et d’énergie). Selon l’invention, les modules de régulation centralisés (5) situés à proximité de la pompe sont maintenus chauds, ainsi que la pompe, pour ne pas refroidir l’eau lors de l’utilisation suivante.
6. L’empilage en sandwich des modules de régulation (5) est pratique pour l’installateur et pour effectuer la maintenance. Leur coût de production est aussi moins important que celui des régulateurs (9) de l’art antérieur.
7. Du fait de leur proximité avec les commodités de la chaufferie et du boitier de commande de la pompe, les modules de régulation (5) accueillent facilement les autres fonctionnalités décrites ci-après.

Les modules de régulation centralisés (5) développés spécifiquement pour cette application renferment préférentiellement quatre composants qui remplissent chacun une fonction à savoir :
This new arrangement provides the following technical advantages:

1. The hissing and vibrations emitted by the pressure reducers (90) located in the boiler room do not disturb the users.
2. The pressure in the small section pipe is first reduced at the level of the pressure reducer (90), then it decreases gradually all along the route to reach a predetermined standard pressure (example: 3 bars) at (x) draw-off point(s). There is therefore never high pressure near the point(s) of draw-off (41), and therefore less danger for users and workers.
3. The small section pipe (5.2) which is subjected to less pressure remains more flexible. It thus more easily absorbs the sounds, vibrations and/or pulsations of the pump heard or felt in contact with the pipe.
4. The connection to the draw-off point(s) is traditionally done by the plumber without worrying about the high pressure upstream.
5. The metal volume of the regulator (9) of the prior art cools the hot water on contact with it before reaching the user. Which is detrimental to the main function of the device (comfort & saving water and energy). According to the invention, the centralized regulation modules (5) located close to the pump are kept warm, as well as the pump, so as not to cool the water during the next use.
6. The sandwich stacking of the control modules (5) is convenient for the installer and for carrying out maintenance. Their production cost is also lower than that of regulators (9) of the prior art.
7. Due to their proximity to the amenities of the boiler room and the pump control box, the regulation modules (5) easily accommodate the other functionalities described below.

The centralized regulation modules (5) developed specifically for this application preferably contain four components that each fulfill a function, namely:

The pressure reducer (90).

A solenoid valve (5.40) which makes it possible to obtain hot water quickly at the point of use, independently of the flow rate requested by the user. And which makes it possible to recover the thermal energy contained in the pipes after each use.

A flow sensor (5.15).

A safety valve (5.36) which prevents the high pressure from damaging the components of the low pressure circuit (5.1 and 41) in the event of a malfunction.

The solenoid valve (5.40) is connected on one side to the control circuit (5.1) and on the other to the hot water source (20). Its opening produces two effects: Firstly, it allows the water coming from the small section pipe (5.2) to return to the source (20), via the pipe (5.1) (see detail C1 and C3 ). Secondly, the resulting pressure drop in the control pipe (5.1) fully opens the passage of the pressure reducer (90), thus allowing maximum flow in the small section pipe (5.2), the maximum flow being a function of the supply pressure of the pump (2) and pressure drops in the pipe (5.2).

The small cross-section pipe (5.2) must therefore have a suitable cross-section to pass a maximum flow rate without causing too many pressure drops.

It should be noted that for practical and economic reasons, the method uses the control pipe (5.1) to return the water to the source (20). However, according to a variant not shown which produces the same effect, the method uses a circuit connected on one side upstream and close to the drawing point(s), and on the other to the hot water source. , housing the solenoid valve (5.40) in series.

1. Lorsqu’un point de puisage est sollicité, la baisse de pression transmise par le tuyau de commande (5.1), ouvre partiellement le passage du réducteur de pression (90).
2. Le capteur de débit (5.15) du circuit sollicité détecte le flux d’eau.
3. Afin que l’eau chaude mise sous pression par la pompe (2) circule rapidement dans le tuyau de petite section (5.2) et alimente ainsi plus rapidement l’utilisateur en eau chaude, l’électrovanne (5.40) s’ouvre pendant plusieurs secondes.
4. Ce qui a pour conséquence d’ouvrir intégralement le passage du réducteur de pression (90), autorisant un débit d’eau chaude maximum en direction de la source (20).
5. Une partie du débit parvient à l’utilisateur en fonction de sa demande et l’autre retourne à la source d’eau chaude (voir détail C1 ) via le tuyau (5.1).
6. Après un temps suffisant pour que l’eau chaude parvienne à l’utilisateur (par exemple trois secondes, paramétrées en fonction de la longueur du circuit), l’électrovanne (5.40) se ferme.
7. Puis durant la phase d’utilisation, le réducteur de pression (90) régule le débit (voir détail C2 ) dans le tuyau de petite section (5.2), en fonction de la demande de l’utilisateur.
8. La fin de la phase d’utilisation est la fermeture du robinet (point de puisage) qui engendre une hausse de pression fermant complétement le réducteur de pression (90).

The operation of the regulation module includes the following steps:

1. When a draw-off point is requested, the drop in pressure transmitted by the control pipe (5.1) partially opens the passage of the pressure reducer (90).
2. The flow sensor (5.15) of the stressed circuit detects the flow of water.
3. So that the hot water pressurized by the pump (2) circulates quickly in the small section pipe (5.2) and thus supplies the user with hot water more quickly, the solenoid valve (5.40) opens for several seconds .
4. This has the consequence of completely opening the passage of the pressure reducer (90), allowing a maximum flow of hot water in the direction of the source (20).
5. Part of the flow reaches the user according to his request and the other returns to the hot water source (see detail C1 ) via the pipe (5.1).
6. After sufficient time for the hot water to reach the user (for example three seconds, set according to the length of the circuit), the solenoid valve (5.40) closes.
7. Then during the use phase, the pressure reducer (90) regulates the flow (see detail C2 ) in the small section pipe (5.2), depending on the user's request.
8. The end of the use phase is the closing of the valve (draw-off point) which generates a rise in pressure completely closing the pressure reducer (90).

Sanitary installations using a pump and small-section pipes to quickly deliver domestic hot water to the draw-off points allow substantial energy savings to be made compared to traditional installations. It is nevertheless possible to optimize these savings by recovering calories during and just after the drawing phase. There presents an example. According to this embodiment, the small section pipe (5.2) travels inside the traditional pipe (5.1), it thus transmits its calories to the water contained in the pipe (5.1) during the phase of use. In addition, the installation comprises additional means, in particular a sanitary vessel or reserve (17), in order to recover the hot water contained in the pipes after the phase of use, according to a process described following the nomenclature below. .

Claims (9)

1. Device for regulating the pressure of a domestic hot water circuit and consequently a flow of hot water leaving at least one draw-off point forming part of a domestic hot water distribution installation comprising at least one source of hot water pressurized by a pump (2), at least one circuit of small-section pipes (5.2) bringing the hot water to at least one draw-off point (41), and a regulation system characterized in that the regulation system comprises a pressure reducer (90) placed upstream of each small-section hot water circuit and in that the device comprises means for determining the pressure in each small-section pipe (5.2) at the level of the draw-off point(s) and to transmit this pressure information to the corresponding pressure reducer (90) at the draw-off point(s).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means for determining the pressure and for transmitting information are pipes (5.1) full of sanitary water.
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pressure reducer (90) comprises an injection needle (5.16) moved by the hydraulic pressure present in the pipe (5.1), by means of a piston (5.38) or 'a membrane, the needle (5.16) regulating (opens or closes) the passage of the fluid at the level of an injector (5.20) according to the demand at the point(s) of draw-off.
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that each pressure reducer (90) comprises a housing (5.14) receiving and guiding the needle (5.16) so as to prevent the high pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the regulator exerting a force axial on its end detrimental to the proper functioning of the regulator, a seal (5.18) ensuring the seal between the housing (5.14) and the needle (5.16).
5. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that each pressure reducer (90) has a brake which slows down the translation of the needle (5.16) at each change in flow rate, making it possible to stabilize the pressure and the flow rate more quickly at the point of drawing.
6. Device according to claim 1,2,3,4 or 5 characterized in that the regulation module comprises a solenoid valve (5.40) connected on one side upstream and close to the point(s) of drawing off and the other side to the hot water source, allowing a return of sanitary water to the hot water source or a reserve (17) connected to the hot water source.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises safety valves (5.36) to prevent the high pressure from damaging the components of the low pressure circuit (5.1) and ( 41).
8. Method implementing the device according to Claim 6 taken in combination with Claim 2, characterized by the detection of a request for hot water at the point of use, the automated opening of the solenoid valve (5.40) generating a drop in pressure in the pipe (5.1), the complete opening of the pressure reducer (90) allowing the transfer of a maximum flow of hot water in the pipe of small section (5.2), the arrival of hot water at the point draw-off and the return of part of the flow via the pipe (5.1) to the hot water source (20), the automated closing of the solenoid valve (5.40), the regulation of the flow in the pressure reducer (90 ) throughout the phase of use depending on the demand at the draw-off point, the closing of the draw-off point which generates a rise in pressure completely closing the pressure reducer (90).
9. Process according to Claim 8, characterized in that after the draw-off points have been closed, the hot water contained in the pipes (5.1) and (5.2) is automatically replaced by cold water to be reintroduced into the reserve (17) , which limits energy waste and the proliferation of bacteria.

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