DE102012211921A1 - Temperature-dependant switching valve for storage for temperature-layered storing of hot fluid i.e. water, has temperature-sensitive elements for opening and/or closing of closing body when temperatures at sides are reached, respectively - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve has a temperature-sensitive element arranged at an inlet side (44) and provided for opening and/or closing a closing body when opening limit temperature at the inlet side is reached. Another temperature-sensitive element is arranged at an outlet side (42) for closing and/or opening the closing body when closing limit temperature is reached at the outlet side. The sensitive elements are made from shaped-memory-alloy material and designed as springs (52, 54) i.e. helical springs. The closing body is designed as a closing piston (38) that is loaded against a valve seat (40). An independent claim is also included for a system for temperature-layered storing of hot fluid.

Description

The invention relates to a temperature-dependent switching valve, in particular for the temperature-dependent admission or discharge of fluids, with an inlet side, an outlet side and a closing body. The invention also relates to a temperature-stratification system, such as a memory for the temperature-layered storage of liquids of different temperature, with a storable with the warm liquids storage space, wherein a plurality of superimposed, filled with liquids storage in different temperature layers of the memory inlets and / or Procedures are provided.

In such stores hot and especially hot water is kept ready, wherein different temperatures are provided in different layers. For the layers, it is particularly advantageous if the water remains as stable as possible, since mixtures of water with different temperature levels lead to undesirable losses and thus to a low effectiveness. In particular, it is desirable that the water to be stored, which has a certain temperature, is introduced into the memory in the temperature-associated layer.

The temperature-layered liquids in the store, for example, are taken directly from the memory for use. It is also conceivable that liquids which are passed through the storage space in the respective layers in consumer lines are heat-exchanger-heated with the liquids present in the storage.

For this purpose, the memory may be designed so that at least one consumer line, in which a medium to be heated is guided, can be guided through the storage space. As a rule, a plurality of such consumer lines are provided, in particular depending on which temperature the medium to be heated is to be heated.

Such memories are for example from the DE 10 2009 060 817 A1 previously known. From the EP 0 384 423 B1 It is also previously known that for the proper stratification of the fluids flowing into the reservoir, valve flaps can be used which open or close depending on the density of the pending liquid, the density depending on the temperature.

It has proved to be disadvantageous that when liquids with different pressures, or even with quite high pressures, are introduced into the memory, these valves do not work reliably.

The present invention is based on the object to remedy the aforementioned problems of the prior art. In particular, a density and pressure-independent storage of liquids of different temperature in associated temperature layers should be possible in a simple yet reliable manner.

This object is achieved with a valve having the features of claim 1. The invention is thus characterized in that a first temperature-sensitive element is arranged on the inlet side, which opens or closes the closing body when an opening limit temperature is reached on the inlet side and wherein a second temperature-sensitive element is arranged on the outlet side Closing body then closes or opens when a closing limit temperature is reached on the outlet side.

Due to the provision of the two temperature-sensitive elements which respond at different temperatures, in particular it can be ensured that fluids and preferably liquids which have a temperature in the range between the opening limit temperature and the closing limit temperature can flow through the valve. Fluids having a temperature not between the opening limit temperature and the closing limit temperature can not flow through the valve.

Advantageously, the first and / or the second temperature-sensitive element is made of or comprises an SMA material. SMA stands for "Shaped Memory Alloy", "German Shape Memory Alloys" or "Memory Metal". These metals change their shape depending on the temperature, it being adjustable via the alloy, at which temperature a shape transformation is to take place.

Advantageously, the temperature-sensitive elements are not only made of an SMA material, but also designed as spring elements, in particular as coil springs. This has the advantage that elements can be provided whose spring force is dependent on the temperature. When the opening limit temperature is exceeded, for example, the first spring element may be designed such that its spring force increases such that the closing body is opened. When the closing limit temperature is exceeded, the second spring element can be designed so that its spring force is greater than the spring force of the first spring element, so that then the closing body is urged into its closed position.

The closing body is preferably designed as a closing piston, which is acted upon in the closed state against a valve seat.

In order to ensure a defined position of the closing element, it is advantageous if, in addition to the first temperature-sensitive element and the second temperature-sensitive element, a return spring is provided which urges the closing element into the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, therefore, three spring elements are provided, wherein all three spring elements can be coil springs. Two spring elements are temperature-sensitive spring elements, wherein the spring force of the return spring is independent of temperature. It is then provided in particular that the first spring element is formed so that it changes its shape upon reaching the opening limit temperature such that its spring force increases and it urges the closing element against the spring forces of the second spring element and the return spring in the open position, and that second spring element is formed so that it changes its shape upon reaching the closing limit temperature such that its spring force increases and the closing piston is urged into the closed position.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a system for temperature-layered storage of hot liquids of different temperature, with a fillable with the warm liquids storage space, wherein a plurality of superimposed, in liquid-filled storage in different temperature layers of the storage space lying inlets and / or drains are provided , wherein in each case a temperature-dependent switching valve for temperature-dependent admission or discharge of liquids is provided in the storage space at at least one or more inlets and / or processes. The valve is designed such that when a present on the inlet side opening limit temperature is reached, the valve opens and when a present on the outlet side closing limit temperature is reached, the valve closes. Characterized in that the valve switches temperature-dependent, and not density-dependent, liquids with different pressures can be introduced into the storage space, it being ensured that they can be stored in the respective temperature layer. The valve may in particular be a valve according to the invention.

It is advantageous if a common manifold is provided on which the feeds or drains are provided or from which the feeds or drains branches. About the common manifold, the liquids to be stored are supplied or discharged. In particular, the supplied liquids may have different temperatures, depending on which systems they are heated with. If, for example, a conventional burner is used for heating the liquid to be stored, then a fairly high, largely constant temperature will be present here. If the liquid to be stored is heated, for example, via solar collectors, then the temperature of the liquids to be stored can definitely be different, depending on the position of the sun or the weather.

It is particularly advantageous if at least two adjacent, different temperature layers associated valves are arranged one above the other, that the closing limit temperature of the valve further down is equal to or at least slightly higher than the opening limit temperature of the overlying valve. As a result, the effect is achieved that is ensured with increasing temperature of the liquid to be stored, that one of the at least two valves is open.

It is correspondingly advantageous if the closing limit temperature of the uppermost valve is equal to or at least slightly higher than the opening limit temperature of the underlying valve. This ensures that even when the temperature of the liquids to be stored drops, one of the two valves is opened.

In the event that a plurality of valves arranged one above the other are assigned, which are assigned to different temperature layers, it is advantageous if the closing limit temperatures and opening limit temperatures of the respective valves are selected such that in the temperature range in which liquids flow into the storage space at least one of the valves is always open.

The distributor tube can run outside of the storage space, wherein the feeds and / or processes are then provided on a jacket surrounding the storage space.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the distributor pipe runs within the storage space, so that the inlets and / or outlets are provided within the storage space.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description, based on which embodiments of the invention shown in the figures will be described and explained in more detail. Show it:

1 a longitudinal section through a system according to the invention;

2 an enlargement of the detail II in 1 ;

3 this in 2 shown valve according to the invention;

4 a second embodiment of a system according to the invention.

1 shows a system in the form of a memory 10 for temperature-layered storage of warm liquids of different temperature, especially of water. The system 10 has a storage space that can be filled with the warm water 12 on. In the vertical direction extends through the storage space 12 an inlet manifold 14 , The inlet manifold 14 has an input 15 through which the heated water flows into the storage space. For heating the water different systems can be used. For example, a conventional burner can be used which heats water at a comparatively high temperature. In addition, it is conceivable that solar collector systems can be used with which water can be heated to different degrees depending on the position of the sun and weather conditions. If several systems are used at the same time, the temperature of the liquids in the inlet manifold can be determined 14 be fed, quite different. In order to nevertheless ensure that liquids with corresponding temperatures flow into the layers of the store associated with the temperatures, the feed distributor pipe sees 14 a total of four feeds 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 in front. The individual inlets are arranged one above the other in different temperature layers of the memory. In addition, each valve has a temperature-dependent switching valve 24 provided, depending on the temperature of the inlet manifold 14 inflowing liquid is opened or closed, so that the inflowing liquid is introduced depending on their temperature in the correct temperature layer.

In the in the 1 shown system 10 a total of four main temperature layers a, b, c, d are provided, wherein in each of the four layers an inlet 16 . 18 . 20 . 20 is provided. In the event that a storage space is to be used with further intermediate layers, further feeds can be used according to the invention accordingly.

In the storage room 12 are according to 1 a total of two closed consumer lines 26 and 28 intended. At the consumer line 26 it may, for example, be a service water pipe to be heated. Cold process water flows, for example, via a flow connection 30 in the first consumer line 26 , The consumer administration 26 then runs helically within the storage space 12 up, which makes the consumer line 26 existing service water is heated. Because the hottest temperature layer is in the upper area of the storage space 12 is located, the hot water is maximally heated. At the return connection 32 the heated process water exits the system.

The in the 1 shown second consumer line 28 also has a flow connection 34 and a return port 36 on. Because the return connection 36 is provided in the central region of the storage space, which is through the second consumer line 28 flowing liquid is not heated as much as that through the first consumer line 26 flowing liquid. The second consumer line may be, for example, a heating line, which is supplied to heating elements.

According to the invention, it is conceivable that further consumer lines are provided. Depending on the flow and return temperature of the liquid flowing in the respective consumer line then the flow connection and the associated return connection is to be arranged in the corresponding temperature layer of the memory.

It is also conceivable that further additional heating elements are provided within the storage space to those in the system 10 to additionally heat up existing liquid.

At least it is conceivable that the memory space 12 heated water can also be taken directly.

Out 1 it becomes clear that the inlet manifold 14 within the storage space 12 runs, and that the inlets 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 also within the memory space 12 are provided. This has the advantage of being in the store 10 inflowing liquid in the central region of the temperature layers a, b, c, d flow into this. As a result, a comparatively good distribution of the inflowing liquid in the respective layer is achieved.

2 now shows the in 1 marked with II area in an enlarged view. Clearly visible is the inlet 22 on the manifold 14 , In the inflow 22 is the valve 24 intended.

3 shows the valve as an individual part enlarged in perspective view.

How out 2 and 3 becomes clear, the valve points 24 one the valve 24 closing closing body in the form of a closing piston 38 on, in the closed state, as he is in 3 is shown against a valve seat 40 is charged. This is a comparatively weak dimensioned return spring 41 provided, which at one end on the closing piston 40 and at the other end to a housing portion of the valve 24 supported.

The valve 24 as such, one sees the storage space 12 facing outlet side 42 and a memory space 12 facing away, or the inlet manifold 14 facing inlet side 44 on. The outlet side 42 as well as the inlet side 44 each of two sleeve-like housing sections 46 and 48 formed in a middle area 50 joined together, in particular locked together. The two housing sections 46 and 48 each accommodate a temperature-sensitive actuator in the form of a spring made of SMA material 52 . 54 , The two springs 52 . 54 are like the spring 41 , designed as coil springs. The feather 52 has a larger diameter than the spring 41 on and surrounds this concentrically. The SMA material of the two springs 52 and 54 is chosen so that the closing piston 48 from the spring 54 is then opened when one of the respective layer a, b, c, d, in which the valve 24 is installed, an opening limit temperature is reached. The feather 54 Consequently, upon reaching the opening limit temperature changes its shape such that its spring force increases and the closing piston against the spring force of the springs 41 and 52 is urged into the open position. The SMA material of the spring 52 In contrast, is chosen so that, if in the layer in which the valve 24 Use, a closing limit temperature is reached, the spring 52 their shape changes so that their spring force increases, in such a way that together with the spring force of the spring 41 the closing piston 38 is forced into the closed position. The spring force of the springs 41 and 52 is then greater than the spring force of the spring 54 ,

This can be achieved that the valve 24 is opened in the temperature range which is between the opening limit temperature and the closing limit temperature, and liquid having a temperature which is in this range, in which the valve 24 associated layer can flow.

The opening limit temperatures and closing limit temperatures of the memory 10 provided valves 24 are chosen differently, so that at different temperature ranges of the incoming water, the temperature range associated valve 24 is opened in the associated layer.

In the 1 shown four valves 24 are designed so that when two adjacent valves 24 the closing temperature of the lower valve 24 is equal to or at least slightly higher than the opening temperature of the overlying valve 24 , In this way it can be achieved that within a permissible temperature range always a valve 24 is open.

Depending on the temperature of the manifold 14 inflowing liquid thus becomes the valve 24 opened, which is associated with the layer with the temperature of the incoming liquid. Opening the valve 24 takes place largely independent of the pressure of the manifold 14 flowing liquid.

In the 4 is a system 100 represented, in large part, the system 10 according to 1 equivalent. Unlike the system 10 according to 1 is at the system 100 according to 4 the manifold 14 not within the storage space 12 arranged but outside. The inlets are not located within the storage space 12 but at one the storage space 12 surrounding coat 110 , The valves 24 move in the area of inlets 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 , The functioning of the system 100 according to 4 corresponds to the functioning of the system 10 according to 1 ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009060817 A1 [0005]
• EP 0384423 B1 [0005]

Claims (12)

Temperature-dependent switching valve ( 24 ), in particular for the temperature-dependent admission or discharge of fluids, with an inlet side ( 44 ), an outlet side ( 42 ) and a closing body ( 38 ), whereas at the inlet side ( 44 ) a first temperature-sensitive element ( 54 ) is arranged, which the closing body ( 38 ) then opens or closes when at the inlet side ( 44 ) an opening limit temperature is reached and wherein at the outlet side ( 42 ) a second temperature-sensitive element ( 52 ) is arranged, which the closing body ( 38 ) then closes or opens when at the outlet side ( 42 ) a closing limit temperature is reached. Valve ( 24 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or the second temperature-sensitive element ( 52 . 54 ) is made of or comprises an SMA material. Valve ( 24 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and / or the second temperature-sensitive element ( 52 . 54 ) is designed as a spring element. Valve ( 24 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closing body ( 38 ) is designed as a closing piston which in the closed state against a valve seat ( 40 ) is acted upon. Valve ( 24 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve ( 24 ) a return spring ( 41 ) comprising the closing element ( 38 ) in the closed position. Valve ( 24 ) according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that the first spring element ( 54 ) is designed so that it changes its shape upon reaching the opening limit temperature such that its spring force increases and it is the closing element ( 38 ) against the spring forces of the second spring element ( 52 ) and the return spring ( 41 ) urges in the open position, and that the second spring element ( 52 ) is designed so that it changes its shape upon reaching the closing limit temperature such that its spring force increases and the closing piston ( 38 ) is forced into the closed position. System ( 10 . 100 ) for the temperature-layered storage of warm liquids of different temperature, with a space to be filled with the warm liquids ( 12 ), wherein a plurality of superposed, in liquid-filled memory in different temperature layers (a, b, c, d) of the storage space ( 10 ) inlets ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) and / or processes are provided, characterized in that at least one or more inlets ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) and / or processes in each case a temperature-dependent switching valve ( 24 ) with an inlet side ( 44 ), an outlet side ( 12 ) and a closing body ( 38 ) is provided for the temperature-dependent admission or discharge of liquid, wherein the valve ( 24 ) is designed such that when one at the inlet side ( 44 ) existing opening limit temperature is reached the valve ( 24 ) and if one on the outlet side ( 42 ) existing closing limit temperature is reached the valve ( 24 ) closes. System ( 10 . 100 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that valve as a valve ( 24 ) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 6. System ( 10 . 100 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that an inlet distributor pipe ( 14 ) or drainage pipe is provided, at the at least two inlets ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) or processes are provided or from the at least two feeds ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) or processes branch off. System ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least two adjacent, different temperature layers associated valves ( 24 ) are arranged one above the other so that the closing limit temperature of the lower valve is equal to or at least slightly higher than the opening limit temperature of the overlying valve. System ( 100 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the distributor tube ( 14 ) outside the memory space ( 12 ) and that the feeds ( 16 . 18 . 30 . 22 ) and / or processes at a memory space ( 12 ) surrounding coat ( 110 ) are provided. System ( 10 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the distributor tube ( 14 ) within the memory space ( 12 ), so that the inlets ( 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 ) and / or processes within the memory space ( 12 ) are provided.

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