CH712417B1 - Sanitary hot water storage device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device (1) for storing domestic hot water, comprising a storage tank (2) and an access hatch (3) to the storage tank. The access hatch is provided with a means (7) for reducing and directing the speed of a flow of water intended to supply the storage tank (2) with water.

Description

The invention relates to a domestic hot water storage device.

[0002] Generally, a domestic hot water storage device comprises a water storage tank and an access door to the storage tank.

In known manner, the hatch allows, during a manufacturing process of the device, to apply a suitable coating on an inner surface of the water storage tank.

In such a storage device, it is essential to ensure thermal stratification of the water contained in the storage device since the thermal stratification of the water ensures a reduction in the energy to be supplied to heat the water.

[0005] By thermal stratification, we mean distribution of the water in strata or horizontal layers, each layer corresponding to a given temperature.

[0006] Due to the natural thermal stratification of the water, the hot water occupies a higher level in the tank, while the cold water occupies the bottom of the tank.

Thus, to benefit from this natural distribution of water, in the so-called drawing phase, the reservoir is supplied at the bottom with cold water, and hot water is taken from the top; and, in the so-called loading phase, the cold water is taken from the lower part and the upper part is supplied with hot water.

[0008] However, to optimize the stratification, any internal movement of the water in the tank must be avoided.

[0009] However, cold water or hot water enters the tank via a tapping with a given speed, and penetrates deep into the tank possibly to layers of warm water, which inevitably causes a mixing of 'water.

[0010] This results in a significant increase in the energy required to heat the entire volume of water to a desired temperature, due to a loss of performance of a heat generator.

The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for storing domestic hot water, comprising a storage tank and an access hatch to the storage tank, characterized in that said access hatch is provided a means for reducing and directing the speed of a flow of water intended to supply water to the storage tank.

Thanks to the device according to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the stratification in the storage tank, since the speed reduction and orientation means breaks the speed of the flow of water entering the storage tank. , which avoids any mixing of water in the storage tank and preserves the thermal differentiation of the water layers.

[0014] In addition, the device according to the present invention results from a simple manufacturing process, because a surface treatment (for example against corrosion and/or to ensure the compatibility of the storage device with the food) can be applied independently to the tank on the one hand and to the means of reduction and orientation of speed on the other hand.

[0015] In addition, the device according to the present invention is modular, insofar as the specific structure of the speed reduction and orientation means is advantageously chosen prior to its attachment to said hatch.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the hatch is arranged in one end of the storage tank forming the bottom of the storage tank, the speed reduction and orientation means being arranged projecting from the hatch into the tank tank, in the center of the bottom of the storage tank.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises a second access door to the storage tank.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the second hatch is provided with a means of reducing and directing the speed of a flow of water intended to supply water to the storage tank.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the second hatch is arranged in an opposite end of the bottom of the storage tank forming the top of the storage tank, the speed reduction and orientation means being arranged projecting from said second hatch in the storage tank, in the center of said top.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises a rod comprising a first end secured to the second hatch and a second end secured to the speed reduction and orientation means, and of which preferably a length depends on a power and/or a flow rate of a heat generator of the storage device.

[0021] According to another feature of the invention, the means or at least one of the speed reduction and orientation means is a deflector.

According to another feature of the invention, the means or at least one of the speed reduction and orientation means comprises a main body comprising a plurality of water outlet holes out of the main body.

[0023] According to another characteristic of the invention, the main body comprises two water inlets in the speed reduction and orientation means, one of the two inlets being configured to be connected to a so-called return branch a collective domestic hot water installation.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the device additionally comprises a generator for heating another fluid and a heat exchanger between a flow of water from the storage tank and said other fluid heated by said generator. of heating.

[0025] The invention also relates to a domestic hot water installation for a plurality of premises, comprising a storage device as described above, comprising a branch for supplying domestic hot water to each premises and a branch for return of domestic hot water from each room to the storage tank, called the return branch, one of the two inlets of the main body being connected to the so-called return branch.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a storage device as described above, comprising a surface treatment step of the storage tank and a surface treatment step of said at least one reduction means and speed orientation, independent of the step of surface treatment of the storage tank, each of said surface treatment steps comprising applying a coating against corrosion and/or a coating to make the device compatible with food liquids or sanitary.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings on which: Figure 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a storage device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective detail view of a bottom of a storage tank of the Figure 1 storage device; Figure 3 is a perspective detail view of an exterior of the bottom of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a detail view in longitudinal section of a top of the device of Figure 1 according to an alternative embodiment; FIG. 5 is a detail view in longitudinal section of a bottom of the device of FIG. 1 according to an alternative embodiment; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a water flow velocity reduction and orientation means of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a means for reducing and directing the speed of a flow of water according to a variant; FIGS. 8a and 8b are simulation results of a thermal distribution of the device of FIG. 1, a speed reduction and orientation means having respectively 12 holes and 24 holes, for a flow rate of 96 L/min; FIG. 9 is a simulation result of a thermal distribution of the device of FIG. 1, a speed reduction and orientation means having 24 holes for a flow rate of 45 L/min; FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a time evolution of a temperature in the lower and middle part of the storage tank of FIG. 1, in comparison with a time evolution according to the prior art; FIG. 12 illustrates connections of a collective installation comprising the storage device of FIG. 1; and figure 13 illustrates a speed reduction and orientation means according to a variant particularly suited to the installation of figure 12.

Water storage device

The invention relates to a domestic hot water storage device, referenced 1 in the figures.

As seen in the figures, the device 1 comprises a water storage tank 2 and at least one access hatch to the storage tank 2.

[0030] Preferably, the storage tank 2 has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the tank 2 comprises a first and a second hatches 3, 4.

The first hatch 3 is arranged in a first end of the tank 2 forming the internal bottom 5 of the storage tank.

The second hatch 4 is arranged in an opposite end of the bottom 5 and forming the top 6 of the reservoir 2.

As more particularly visible in Figures 1 to 3, each access hatch 3, 4 is provided with a means of reduction and speed orientation of a flow of water intended to supply water to the tank storage 2, and referenced respectively 7, 8.

As shown in Figure 2, the means 7 protrudes from the first hatch 3 in the storage tank 2, preferably at the center 9 of the bottom 5 of the storage tank 2.

[0036] Similarly, the means 8 projects out of the second hatch 4 into the tank 2, preferably at the center 10 of the top 6 of the storage tank 2.

[0037] Advantageously, the tank 2 is supplied with cold water via the means 7.

[0038] Advantageously, tank 2 is supplied with hot water via means 8.

As seen in Figure 1, the storage device 1 also includes a heat exchanger 11 to heat the water in the tank 2 via a heat exchange with a second fluid.

The second fluid is itself heated by a generator 12, such as a boiler, a heat pump or solar panels.

The second fluid can be water.

The storage device 1 comprises a branch 13 for supplying cold water from a tapping 14 of the reservoir 2 to the heat exchanger 11.

The storage device 1 also comprises a branch 15 for supplying hot water from the heat exchanger 11 to a tapping 16 connected to the means 8.

Advantageously, the device comprises water circulation pumps in one of the branches, 13 or 15, not shown.

The tank 2 comprises a tapping 17 cold water inlet in the tank 2, connected to the means 7 of reduction and orientation.

As visible in Figure 1, the outlet tapping 17 is arranged in the lower part of the tank 2.

[0047] Tank 2 includes a hot water outlet tap 18 from tank 2.

As seen in Figure 1, the outlet tapping 18 is arranged in the upper part of the tank 2.

[0049] The stitching 18 is advantageously arranged on the hatch 4.

[0050] It is noted that the tank 2 contains water which is naturally stratified, that is to say that the water is distributed in the tank 2 in a layer of different temperatures, a coldest layer of water being arranged on the bottom 5 and a hottest layer of water being arranged at the level of the top of the tank 2.

By cold water is meant water from the coldest layer of water.

[0052] The cold water is for example at 10° C.

By hot water is meant water from the hottest layer.

[0054] The hot water is for example at 60° C.

Water circulation in the storage device

[0055] In drawing, that is to say when the heating device 1 supplies a room with hot water, a flow of hot water leaves the tank 2 through the outlet tapping 18.

At the same time, a flow of cold water F enters the bottom of tank 2 via means 7.

The speed reduction and orientation means 7 significantly reduces the speed of the cold water, as will be explained later, which ensures optimization of the stratification of the water contained in the tank 2.

In load, that is to say in heating mode, part of the cold water is taken from the tank 2 by the tapping 14 and circulates successively in the branch 13 then the heat exchanger 11, where the water is heated by the second fluid.

[0059] The entry tapping 14 is advantageously arranged on the hatch 3.

[0060] Then, the heated water circulates in branch 15 before entering tank 2 by means 8 via tapping 16.

The speed reduction and orientation means 8 significantly reduces the speed of the hot water, as will be explained later, which ensures optimization of the stratification of the water contained in the tank 2.

According to a variant illustrated in Figure 4, the outlet tapping 18 can advantageously be arranged on a flange 22, described below.

According to another variant illustrated in Figure 5, the stitching 14 is separate from the flange 22.

Means of gear reduction and orientation

According to a preferred variant, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the speed reduction and orientation means 7 and 8 each comprise a main body 20 comprising a plurality of water outlet holes from the main body, referenced 21.

As more particularly visible in Figure 6, the main body 20 is a ferrule, one longitudinal axis is preferably vertical.

The ferrule 20 is preferably welded to a flange 22 bolted to the associated hatch 3, 4.

The flange 22 has the general shape of a crown.

[0068] It can be seen that, seen from the outside, only the tappings 14, 17 and the flange 22 are visible from the outside of the tank 2.

As seen in Figure 6, the holes 21 are arranged on a side wall 23 of the ferrule 20.

The wall 23 is delimited between the flange 22 and a disc 24 opposite the disc 22.

The holes 21 of the ferrule 20 constitute the only water outlet passages out of the inlet tapping 16, 17.

Due to the presence of a multitude of holes 21, a flow F entering the means 7 is converted into a multitude of flows f leaving the means 7.

[0073] Because the holes 21 are arranged laterally, the flows f leaving the shroud 20 form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction L of the shroud 20.

The means 7, 8 are placed in the tank 2 so that the longitudinal direction L of the shells 20 coincides with the longitudinal axis Z of the tank 2.

The flows f also form a non-zero angle with the direction of the longitudinal axis Z of the tank 2, which makes it possible to prevent the water from moving longitudinally in the tank 2 and penetrating into the successive layers of the stratification.

[0076] The total section of the holes 21 is adjusted to limit the speed at which the water exits from the shell 20.

In Figure 2, it can be seen that the means 7 of the bottom of the tank 2 is arranged so that the edge 24 is closest to the bottom 5 of the tank 2.

[0078] It is nevertheless possible for the reduction and orientation means to comprise a rod integral with the ferrule 20.

This variant is particularly advantageous for the means 8 mounted in the upper part of the tank 2.

As seen in Figure 1, the rod 25 comprises a first end 26 secured to the second hatch 4 and a second end 27 secured to the ferrule 20.

The rod 25 extends longitudinally along the tank 2, in a direction coinciding with the longitudinal axis Z of the tank 2.

[0082] The length of the rod 25 is chosen so as to cause the water to penetrate into the tank 2 via the means 8 into a layer of water whose temperature is not too high, so as not to disturb the volume. hot water available above medium 8.

The length depends in particular on a power and a flow rate of the generator 12.

[0084] According to a variant illustrated in Figure 7, the speed reduction and orientation means is a deflector 28.

The deflector 28 comprises a wall 29 for deflecting the flow of water entering the means 7, which makes it possible both to reduce the speed of the incoming flow of water F and to direct the flow F into a flow F' to prevent it from penetrating deep into tank 2.

Simulation results

The results of Figures 8a and 8b illustrate a thermal distribution in the reservoir 2 after 60s of a load of the reservoir 2 in cold water, the shell 20 being respectively provided with 12 holes and 24 holes.

The water flow is 96 Llmin (1.6*10<-3>m<3>/s).

As seen in Figure 8a, the coldest water flows along the bottom 5 and on the side edges 30 of the tank 2.

Due to the presence of the holes 21 on the side wall of the shell 20, no jet of cold water is emitted longitudinally along the Z axis.

As is clear from Figure 8a, the stratification of the tank is not modified by the arrival of cold water, since the cold water goes only into the lower part of tank 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 8b, it can be seen that the stratification is not disturbed by the cold water load.

[0092] Because the shell has twice as many holes as for the embodiment of FIG. 8a, the stratification is even better, the hot water/cold water mixture being even lower than in FIG. 8a.

Thus, it clearly emerges from the comparison of FIGS. 8a and 8b that, depending on the configuration of the means 7, 8, in particular depending on the arrangement, the area and the number of holes, the storage device 1 adapts to the intended use.

In other words, the storage device 1 can be adjusted according to the desired use.

The results of FIG. 9 illustrate a thermal distribution in tank 2 after 60 s of load, the ferrule being provided with 24 holes.

The water flow is 45 Llmin (0.75*10<-3>m<3>/s).

As shown in Figure 9, for a flow rate of 45 Llmin (0.75*10<-3>m<3>/s), the 24-hole shell ensures better distribution of hot and cold water .

However, for a lower flow rate, for example of the order of 10 L/min (0.16*10<-3>m<3>/s), the 24-hole ferrule and the 12-hole ferrule can lead to the same volume of hot water, depending on the set heating time.

Experimental results

FIG. 10 illustrates a curve 81 of the evolution over time of an ideal temperature at the bottom of tank 2.

[0100] FIG. 10 also illustrates a curve 82 of change over time of an actual temperature at the bottom of tank 2 of the prior art, without reduction and orientation means.

[0101] Figure 10 also illustrates a curve 83 of change over time of an actual temperature at the bottom of tank 2 of the storage device of Figure 1.

[0102] As can be seen in FIG. 10, the ideal curve 81 is a constant temperature at 10° C. from 6 p.m.

From 6 p.m., curve 83 is almost constant, at an average temperature of around 14°C.

From 6 p.m., curve 82 describes more changes, for an average temperature above 20°C.

Thus, curve 83 is much closer to ideal curve 81 than curve 82.

[0106] Figure 11 illustrates a curve 91 of temporal evolution of an ideal temperature at mid-height of reservoir 2.

[0107] FIG. 11 also illustrates a curve 92 of the evolution over time of an actual temperature at mid-height of the tank 2 of the prior art, without reduction and orientation means.

[0108] FIG. 11 also illustrates a curve 93 of the evolution over time of an actual temperature at mid-height of the tank 2 of the storage device of FIG. 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, the ideal curve 91 is a constant temperature at 10° C. between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., followed by two loads of water at 65° C. between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. then between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

[0110] As is clear from the time course, curve 93 is much closer to ideal curve 91 than curve 92.

Collective facility

As visible in Figure 12, the storage device 1 equips a collective hot water installation 100.

The installation 100 supplies hot water to a plurality of premises, such as apartments.

As seen in Figure 12, the installation 100 includes a branch 101 for supplying domestic hot water to each room 104 and a branch 102 for returning domestic hot water from each room 104 to tank 2, so-called return branch.

Variant of realization

As visible in Figure 13, the storage device 1 advantageously comprises a stratification rod 120.

The stratification rod 120 is coaxial with the ferrule 20 of the means 7 disposed at the bottom 5 of the reservoir 2.

The rod 120 is screwed onto the stitching 121 which crosses the speed reduction and orientation means.

[0117] Advantageously, the stratification rod 120 extends longitudinally along the Z axis of the tank 2.

[0118] The water from the return branch flows into the stratification rod 120.

The stratification rod 120 comprises a plurality of holes 122 arranged one above the other.

[0120] Each hole is provided with a shutter valve for the hole.

[0121] The laminating rod 120 is configured so as to allow the opening of only one hole at a time.

[0122] Because the rod 120 extends longitudinally in the tank 2, the holes 121 are arranged in the successive thermal layers.

The open hole 121 is the one immersed in the layer of water in the tank 2 whose temperature comes closest to the temperature of the water in the return leg.

This variant makes it possible to further optimize the stratification in reservoir 2 with respect to the loop return.

Manufacturing process

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the storage device 1 comprising a surface treatment step of the storage tank 2 and a surface treatment step of the speed reduction and orientation means, 7 , 8, this step being independent of the storage tank surface treatment step.

The surface treatment is advantageously a coating against corrosion and/or a coating to make the device 1 compatible with food or sanitary liquids.

For example, the surface coating of tank 2 can be enamel, while the material of means 7, 8 can be stainless steel.

The method of manufacturing the storage device 1 is therefore simple, since several distinct steps allow suitable treatment of the reservoir on the one hand and of the means 7, 8 on the other hand.

Claims (12)

1. Device for storing domestic hot water, comprising a storage tank (2) and a hatch (3, 4) for access to the storage tank (2), characterized in that said access hatch (3) is provided with a means of reducing and directing the speed (7) of a flow of water intended to supply the storage tank (2) with water. 2. Storage device according to claim 1, in which the hatch (3) is arranged in one end of the storage tank forming the bottom (5) of the storage tank (2), the speed reduction and orientation means ( 7, 8) projecting from the hatch into the storage tank, in the center (9) of the bottom (5) of the storage tank. 3. Storage device according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a second hatch (4) for access to the storage tank. 4. Storage device according to the preceding claim, wherein the second hatch (4) is provided with means for reducing and directing the speed of a flow of water intended to supply water to the storage tank. 5. Storage device according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the second hatch (4) is arranged in an opposite end of the bottom of the storage tank forming the top (6) of the storage tank (2), the means reduction and speed orientation (8) being arranged projecting from said second hatch (4) in the storage tank (2), in the center of said top. 6. Storage device according to one of claims 4 and 5, comprising a rod (25) comprising a first end (26) integral with the second hatch (4) and a second end (27) integral with the reduction means and direction (8). 7. Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means or at least one of the speed reduction and orientation means (7, 8) is a deflector (28). 8. Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the means or at least one of the speed reduction and orientation means comprises a main body (20) comprising a plurality of holes (21) water outlet out of the main body (20). 9. Storage device according to the preceding claim, in which the main body comprises two water inlets in the speed reduction and orientation means, one of the two inlets being configured to be connected to a so-called return branch a collective domestic hot water installation. 10. Storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a generator for heating another fluid (12) and a heat exchanger (11) between a flow of water from the storage tank (2 ) and said other fluid heated by said heating generator (12). 11. Domestic hot water installation for a plurality of rooms, provided with the storage device according to claim 9, the installation comprising a branch (101) for supplying domestic hot water to each room and a branch (102), return of domestic hot water from each room to the storage tank, called return branch, one (103) of the two inlets of the main body being connected to the so-called return branch. 12. A method of manufacturing a storage device according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a surface treatment step of the storage tank (2) and a surface treatment step of said at least one reduction means and gear (7, 8), independent of the surface treatment step of the storage tank, each of said surface treatment steps comprising applying a coating against corrosion and/or a coating to make the device compatible (1) with food or sanitary liquids.