DE102017010893A1 - Sanitary arrangement for demand-dependent circulation via a cold water pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

The application describes a sanitary arrangement for ensuring hygiene and for rapidly providing hot drinking water at remote taps of a central drinking water supply system in single and multi-family houses or hotels. The existing in a building hot and cold water pipes together form a circulating arrangement, the cold water pipes for return of cold water from the hot water pipe. This makes it possible to exchange the contents of the water pipes inside of apartments for water meters without draining water. Instead of a permanent circulation, takes place in the solution described only with actual water demand or prolonged non-tap water exchange instead. This ensures that only cold water from the hot water pipe flows into the cold water pipe and is returned to the hot water tank. At the same time, it is possible to quickly provide hot water even at remote taps without loss of water and energy and without the need for a circulation third line. Cyclic water circulation avoids stagnant water and ensures hygienic safety in hot and cold water pipes. The circulation drive is provided by a pump at the central hot water tank, which increases the water pressure in all hot water pipes. When recirculating the circulating water, the central hot water tank acts as a kind of Legionella filter.

Description

State of the art

Various solutions are already known for the rapid provision of warm drinking water in larger buildings. Thus, with the help of electric heating tapes or the so-called classic circulation, the water in the hot water pipes kept at a hot temperature. Furthermore, systems are known which prevent stagnation of the tap water by allowing the water content of the cold and hot water pipes (eg within apartments) to drain. For this purpose, at regular intervals with the help of Hygienespülern or non-contact mixer taps the line content of hot and cold water pipes discharged via a drain line to prevent a dangerous increase of germs or Legionella.

problem

Standing water in drinking water pipes is a problem in many respects. In addition to the long waiting time until hot water is obtained, proliferation of germs and legionella is also threatened by prolonged non-sprouting. In larger buildings, therefore, the so-called classical circulation is often used. This will make hot water at the end of the hot water pipe 1 via a so-called circulation pipe 2 back to the central drinking water reservoir 6 recycled. However, this circulation circuit solves the existing problems only partially, because on the one hand only the water in the hot water riser 1 , but not the cold water riser 3 is exchanged. In addition, the classic circulation at the entrance to the apartment ends in front of the typically installed water meters 5 because the circulation can not be passed through the water meters because of the large circulation rates. All water pipes 28 . 29 within the respective apartments 16 therefore contain stagnant water.

However, a regular water exchange of the water pipes, especially within the respective apartments is of great importance, since these lines are sometimes used only at irregular intervals.

To solve this problem, therefore, so-called Hygienespüler are known, which conduct at cyclic intervals, the entire tap water of the hot and cold water pipes by means of solenoid valves in the drain. These sanitary flush washers are installed at the end of each line of the hot and cold water pipe. However, this method is expensive both in purchase as well as in the maintenance, as this various connection lines (cold water, hot water, wastewater, power supply) must be provided. As a result, retrofitting in existing buildings is hardly possible. The cyclical discharge of hot and cold water also leads to high operating costs in terms of heat and water consumption.

Non-contact mixing faucets are also known, which also conduct the tap water of the respective hot and cold water pipe by opening the faucet in the drain at cyclic intervals even with prolonged non-tapping. However, this solution also causes high operating costs in terms of heat and water consumption.

Another known solution is the circulation of the water from the hot water pipe via the cold water pipe back to the central hot water tank. With the help of a thermostatically controlled valve, this is controlled at the last tapping point (at the end of the wiring harness) to a removal temperature of lukewarm. In this solution, the water in the hot water pipe cools from a hot water temperature e.g. 60 ° C at the end of the classical circulation (apartment entrance) on e.g. 36 ° C at the last sampling point. This water, which cools down over the course of the pipe, is fed into the cold water pipe and cools down further on its way back inside the house due to the surrounding wall temperature. However, the water temperature always remains slightly higher than the wall temperature. As a result of the extremely low circulation, the circulating water can be passed through the water meter without doing a water count.

This solution is inexpensive to purchase and also avoids loss of water through the return of the water in the hot water tank. However, the permanent provision of warm water to the last tapping point also means in this solution, a loss of heat in the water pipes of the apartment.

solution

Most of the existing single-family and multi-family dwellings do not currently have auxiliary equipment to protect them from stagnant water during long nightspots. This circumstance also contributes to the fact that currently the number of deaths from legionella infestation in Germany is higher than the number of road deaths.

The hitherto known solutions for the protection against stagnant water are hitherto scarcely widespread because of the restrictions described above.

As described below, one solution provides a circulation circuit from the end of the hot water pipes via the cold water pipes back to the central hot water tank. A constant loss of water and heat in the hot water pipes of a dwelling can be avoided by filling the hot water pipes with hot water only when necessary.

This is made possible by the water cooled in the hot water pipe of a dwelling at the respective end of the pipe, which is cooled as a result of a longer non-tapping, via a solenoid valve into the cold water pipe. Thus, a closed circuit is formed, in which the water flows back through the hot and the cold water pipe and back to the hot water tank.

If a person enters the room or approaches one of the taps 11 , so by means of a motion sensor 21 a solenoid valve 24 activated. This solenoid valve 24 is part of one at the last tap 11 control unit installed at the end of the line 12 and leaves open the standing cold water of the hot water pipe 29 into the cold water pipe 28 flow. A pump 8th in the cold water supply line to the central drinking water storage tank ensures a slightly higher line pressure in all hot water pipes compared to the cold water pipes. This presses on the solenoid valve 24 Pending water of the hot water pipe 29 into the cold water pipe 28 the apartment. The temperature of the water flowing through the solenoid valve is measured by a temperature sensor 23 supervised. When a stored limit temperature is exceeded, for example, hand warm (36 ° C), the solenoid valve becomes 24 closed again. A backflow preventer 25 in series with the solenoid valve 24 Ensures that no cold water can penetrate into the hot water pipe.

1. 1. Es entsteht ein nutzungsunabhängiger zuverlässiger Schutz vor stagnierendem Wasser in Warm- und Kaltwasserleitungen innerhalb von Wohnungen auch nach Wasserzählern
2. 2. Der Komfort wird erheblich verbessert, indem langes Warten auf warmes Wasser selbst am Ende eines Leitungsstrangs vermieden wird
3. 3. Auch bei langem Nichtzapfen (z.B. während eines Urlaubs) wird kein Wasser verbraucht
4. 4. Auch in der Kaltwasser-Steigleitung entsteht ein nutzungsunabhängiger, zuverlässiger Schutz vor stagnierendem Wasser
5. 5. Bei längerem Nichtzapfen von Kaltwasser (z.B. Nachts) wird verhindert, dass die Wassertemperatur in der Kaltwasser-Steigleitung infolge Wärmeeinstrahlung häufig benachbarter Heißwasserleitungen nicht unzulässig ansteigt
6. 6. Der Wärmeverlust in den Leitungen innerhalb der Wohnung wird drastisch reduziert, da nur alle paar Stunden die Warmwasserleitung mit warmem Wasser befüllt wird.
7. 7. Der Wärmeverlust ist unabhängig von der Qualität der Rohrisolierungen, da das Wasser nach dem Befüllen in jedem Fall wieder auskühlt → Problemlose Nachrüstung im Altbau

With this arrangement, several problems can be solved for the first time:

1. 1. There is a reliable use-independent protection against stagnant water in hot and cold water pipes within apartments even after water meters
2. 2. Comfort is greatly improved by avoiding long wait for warm water even at the end of a wiring harness
3. 3. No water is consumed even when not tapped for a long time (eg during a holiday)
4. 4. Even in the cold water riser a user-independent, reliable protection against stagnant water is created
5. 5. Prolonged non-bleeding of cold water (eg at night) prevents the water temperature in the cold water riser from rising inadmissibly as a result of heat radiation of frequently adjacent hot water pipes
6. 6. The heat loss in the pipes inside the apartment is drastically reduced because only every few hours the hot water pipe is filled with warm water.
7. 7. The heat loss is independent of the quality of the pipe insulation, since the water in any case cools again after filling → Easy retrofitting in the old building

Controlling the solenoid valve

1. 1. Der Bewegungsmelder 21 ist in seiner einstellbaren Empfindlichkeit und Ausrichtung des Sensorelements so eingestellt, dass bereits mit Öffnen der Tür bzw. dem Eintreten einer Person in den Raum das Magnetventil betätigt wird.
2. 2. Der Bewegungsmelder 21 ist in seiner Empfindlichkeit so eingestellt, dass erst mit Herantreten einer Person an die Zapfstelle das Magnetventil betätigt wird.
3. 3. Der Bewegungsmelder 21 ist in seiner Empfindlichkeit so eingestellt, dass erst mit Annähern der Hand zum Bewegungsmelder das Magnetventil betätigt wird. Damit erfüllt der Bewegungsmelder die Funktion eines Tasters.
4. 4. Anstelle eines Bewegungsmelders 21 kann auch ein Taster zur Aktivierung des Magnetventils verwendet werden. Dieser Taster kann direkt neben dem Waschbecken platziert sein und über ein Verbindungskabel zur Steuereinheit 12 den Befehl zum aktivieren des Magnetventils weitergeben. Auch ein am Waschbecken 11 angebrachter Funktaster kann den Befehl zum Einschalten des Magnetventils per Funk an die Steuereinheit 12 übertragen.

Activation of the solenoid valve to fill the hot water pipe can be done in several ways:

1. 1. The motion detector 21 is set in its adjustable sensitivity and orientation of the sensor element so that the solenoid valve is actuated when the door is opened or a person enters the room.
2. 2. The motion detector 21 is adjusted in its sensitivity so that only when approaching a person to the tap, the solenoid valve is actuated.
3. 3. The motion detector 21 is adjusted in its sensitivity so that only when approaching the hand to the motion sensor, the solenoid valve is actuated. Thus, the motion detector fulfills the function of a button.
4. 4. Instead of a motion detector 21 You can also use a button to activate the solenoid valve. This button can be placed directly next to the sink and a connection cable to the control unit 12 Pass on the command to activate the solenoid valve. Also at the sink 11 attached radio button can the command to turn on the solenoid valve by radio to the control unit 12 transfer.

In contrast to a previously known solution by means of thermostatically controlled valve, only cold water is fed back into the cold water line in the proposed solution here.

Alternatively, it is also possible to control the solenoid valve so that immediately after falling below the hand warm set temperature, the solenoid valve turns on. This can be dispensed with a switching input or motion detector. This is a constantly hand warm temperature at the sampling point 11 ensured. Immediately after opening the faucet, this hand warm extraction temperature is available.

To increase the functional safety, in particular to protect against the penetration of hot water into the cold water line in case of failure by permanently opening the solenoid valve, a thermostatic working valve 30 be connected in series.

Control cyclic water exchange

A microcontroller 20 monitors the adjustable duration between activations of the solenoid valve by persons. If a pre-programmed period of time is exceeded, the solenoid valve becomes 24 activated until lukewarm or hot water is present at the inlet of the solenoid valve. Thus, the water in the hot and cold water pipes is replaced at cyclic intervals even during prolonged non-tapping, for example, during a holiday. Fresh, legionella-lean water from the drinking water reservoir flows with at least 60 ° C hot water.

The control unit 12 for controlling the solenoid valve 24 can optionally from the existing power grid 27 or from a battery 26 be supplied.

Control via radio link

• • Verbindung zwischen Steuereinheit und der Umwälzpumpe 8 zum gezielten Einschalten der Umwälzpumpe 8 am Warmwasserspeicher. Damit kann die Pumpe gezielt nur während dem Zeitraum eines geöffneten Magnetventils eingeschaltet werden
• • Ausgabe einer Fehlermeldung über das Internet 13 an den Betreiber der Anlage bei Erkennen einer Störung:
  • ◯ Fehlermeldung an die Wartungsfirma zur Behebung eines erkannten Fehlers
  • ◯ Aufforderung an den Betreiber zum Ersetzen der Batterie
• • Austausch zwischen Steuereinheiten 12 zwischen benachbarten Wohnungen zur Weitergabe von Informationen an wiederum benachbarte Steuereinheiten 12. Damit entfällt die zwingende Notwendigkeit zur Verbindung der Steuereinheit 12 mit einem Router um z.B. innerhalb eines größeren Gebäudes auch größere Entfernungen zwischen einer Steuereinheit 12 und der Zirkulationspumpe 8 zu überbrücken. Auch kann damit sichergestellt werden, dass auch Steuereinheiten 12 eine Fehlermeldung an die Wartungsfirma auszugeben können ohne selbst mit einem Router verbunden zu sein.
• • WLAN-Verbindung 14a, 14b zwischen Steuereinheiten 12 benachbarter Wohnungen 16, 17, 18 zur Abstimmung eines zeitlich versetzten zyklischen Einschaltens in den verschiedenen Wohnungen. Damit kann erreicht werden, dass bei fehlender klassischer Zirkulation in den Warmwasser-Steigleitungen 1 (zwischen Keller und Wohnungseingang) das warme Wasser in den Steigleitungen erhalten bleibt
• • WLAN-Verbindung 14f zu einem Smartphone 31, welches über eine Schnittstellenverbindung WLAN oder Bluetooth verfügt. Mittels einer App kann die Steuereinheit 12 programmiert werden hinsichtlich:
  • ◯ Aktivieren einer zyklischen Umwälzung bei längerer Abwesenheit (Urlaub)
  • ◯ Anpassen der Zykluszeiten für eine zyklische Umwälzung zur Verhinderung von stagnierendem Wasser
  • ◯ Anpassen der Empfindlichkeit des Bewegungsmelders 21 um verschiedene Funktionen zu ermöglichen:
    • ■ Einschalten bereits mit Öffnen der Tür bzw. bei Betreten des Raums
    • ■ Einschalten erst bei Aufenthalt direkt vor der Zapfstelle
    • ■ Einschalten nur bei Annäherung der Hände bis auf z.B. 10 cm (Funktion eines Tasters)
  • ◯ Verbinden/Einrichten eines WLAN-Routers mittels der App

The control unit 12 In addition to a controller by a microcontroller, the solenoid valve and a motion detector and a transceiver unit for a Wi-Fi network 14 contain. This enables various other functionalities:

• • Connection between the control unit and the circulation pump 8th for targeted switching on the circulation pump 8th at the hot water tank. Thus, the pump can be selectively switched on only during the period of an open solenoid valve
• • Output of an error message via the Internet 13 to the operator of the system when detecting a fault:
  • ◯ Error message to the maintenance company to correct a detected error
  • ◯ Request the operator to replace the battery
• • Exchange between control units 12 between neighboring apartments for passing on information to neighboring tax units 12 , This eliminates the urgent need to connect the control unit 12 with a router, for example, within a larger building and larger distances between a control unit 12 and the circulation pump 8th to bridge. Also, it can be ensured that also control units 12 to issue an error message to the maintenance company without being connected to a router.
• • Wi-Fi connection 14a . 14b between control units 12 neighboring apartments 16 . 17 . 18 for the adjustment of a time-delayed cyclical switching on in the different apartments. This can be achieved that in the absence of classical circulation in the hot water risers 1 (between cellar and apartment entrance) the warm water in the risers is maintained
• • Wi-Fi connection 14f to a smartphone 31 , which has a WLAN or Bluetooth interface connection. By means of an app, the control unit 12 be programmed in terms of:
  • ◯ Activate a cyclical upheaval during longer absence (vacation)
  • ◯ Adjust cycle times for cyclic circulation to prevent stagnant water
  • ◯ Adjusting the sensitivity of the motion detector 21 to enable different functions:
    • ■ Switching on already when the door is opened or when entering the room
    • ■ Switching on only when staying directly in front of the tap
    • ■ Switching on only when approaching the hands to eg 10 cm (function of a button)
  • ◯ Connecting / setting up a wireless router using the app

To establish a connection between the smartphone 31 and the desired control units 12 can be a query of the motion sensor 21 be used. Only when the connection request entered into the smartphone and simultaneously activated motion detector is established. Thus it can be prevented that several placed in neighboring apartments control units 12 mitaktiviert and possibly reprogrammed unintentionally.

Instead of a WLAN connection, another type of radio connection, e.g. Bluetooth can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Warning water riser

2

Circulation line (Classic circulation)

3

Cold water riser

4

house lead

5

water counter

6

Central hot water tank

7

Circulation pump of classical circulation

8th

Circulation pump for water circulation within the apartments

9

Backflow preventer

10

Tap kitchen

11

Tap bath

12

Control unit with solenoid valve, motion detector and WLAN interface

13

WLAN transceiver with access to the Internet

14

Wi-Fi connection

15

Switching unit for controlling the circulation pump can be controlled via WLAN

16

Apartment ground floor

17

Apartment on the first floor

18

Apartment on the top floor

19

From pump ( 8th ) and control unit ( 12 ) controlled circulation flow

20

Microprocessor CPU of a control unit

21

motion detector

22

Wireless LAN transceiver

23

temperature sensor

24

Solenoid valve connects the cold water with the hot water pipe when activated

25

Backflow preventer prevents the penetration of cold water into the hot water pipe

26

supply battery

27

Mains supply alternative to battery supply

28

Cold water pipe inside apartment

29

Hot water pipe inside the apartment

30

Thermostatically controlled valve (TV) as redundancy in case of SG failure

31

Smartphone with app for adapting the control unit 12

list of figures

• 1 shows the schematic representation of a pipeline course of drinking water pipes in a multi-family house
• 2 shows in a block diagram the functional components of a control unit 12 for controlling a solenoid valve

Claims (5)

Sanitary arrangement consisting of a central drinking water storage and a cold water supply 3, 28 and a hot water supply 1, 29 and a control unit (12) having a connection for a cold water pipe 28 and a connection for a hot water pipe 29, wherein between the pipe connections 28 and 29 a shut-off device 24 is arranged, characterized in that with the opening of the electrically controllable shut-off a circulating circuit of the water from the hot over the cold water pipe 3 back to the memory 6 is formed. Sanitary order after Claim 1 characterized in that this shut-off device 24 consists of an electrically actuated solenoid valve 24 Sanitary order after Claim 1 and 2 characterized in that with the aid of a temperature sensor 23, the temperature of the flowing through the solenoid valve 24 water is measured and that the solenoid valve is closed again in dependence of the measured water temperature. Sanitary order after Claim 1 to 3 characterized in that with recognition of a person by a movement sensor 21r, the solenoid valve 24 opens and closes again after reaching a pre-programmable water temperature Sanitary order after Claim 1 to 3 characterized in that after exceeding a pre-programmable waiting time of the non-actuation of the solenoid valve 24, this opens again and closes again after reaching a pre-programmable water temperature

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