DE102022110626A1 - Method for operating a device for providing hot water, computer program, regulating and control device, device for providing hot water and use of a temperature signal - Google Patents

Abstract

A method is presented for operating a device for providing hot water (1), comprising at least the following steps: a) detecting a withdrawal parameter (21), which allows a direct conclusion to be drawn about the amount of hot water withdrawn; b) comparing the withdrawal parameter recorded in step a). (21) with a predefined limit value (22), andc) lowering the outlet temperature (23) of the hot water supply device (1) as a temperature signal (17, 18, 19) to a signal temperature (8, 9, 10) for a signal period (12 , 14, 16) when the limit value (11, 13, 15) is reached by the removal parameter (21).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a device for providing hot water, a computer program, a regulating and control device, a device for providing hot water and the use of a temperature signal.

A variety of devices for providing hot water are known from the prior art, for example (electric) instantaneous water heaters or heating devices (with or without hot water storage). Typically, these facilities require significant energy consumption.

This is done, for example, in the DE 100 49 597 A1 a demand-dependent operation of a circulation pump of a hot water circuit is presented, with a temperature increase in the area of a heat exchanger of the hot water circuit being used as an indicator of hot water withdrawal.

In the DE 10 2009 012 413 A1 A method for using the thermal energy of a wastewater stream to provide hot water is shown.

On the one hand, the proposed solutions are not applicable to all hot water provision facilities and, on the other hand, they involve a considerable amount of technical effort. In particular, the proposed solutions cannot address increased energy consumption due to a long removal process, for example during a long shower.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to propose a method for operating a device for providing hot water that at least partially overcomes the problems described in the prior art.

In addition, the invention should at least not significantly increase the complexity of a device for providing hot water and only require minor structural changes to the device and enable simple integration into an existing production process.

These tasks are solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the independent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically sensible manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

1. a) Erfassen eines Entnahmeparameters, der einen (direkten) Rückschluss auf die entnommene Menge Warmwasser zulässt;
2. b) Vergleichen des in Schritt a) erfassten Entnahmeparameters mit einem vordefinierten Grenzwert, und
3. c) Absenken der Auslauftemperatur der Einrichtung zur Warmwasserbereitstellung als Temperatursignal für einen Signalzeitraum bei Erreichen des Grenzwertes durch den Entnahmeparameter.

A method for operating a facility for providing hot water, comprising at least the following steps, contributes to this:

1. a) Recording a withdrawal parameter that allows a (direct) conclusion to be drawn about the amount of hot water withdrawn;
2. b) comparing the extraction parameter recorded in step a) with a predefined limit value, and
3. c) Lowering the outlet temperature of the hot water supply device as a temperature signal for a signal period when the limit value is reached by the withdrawal parameter.

• d) vor dem Schritt c) durchzuführen. Gleichfalls möglich ist eine Durchführung des Schrittes b) nach Durchführung des Schrittes c).

Steps a), b) and c) are carried out at least once in the specified order in a regular procedure. It is also possible to take the step

• d) before step c). It is also possible to carry out step b) after carrying out step c).

The device for providing hot water is any device known from the prior art, which includes an apparatus for producing hot water, for example a water heater or a heater, whereby the water to be heated is supplied or stored in a hot water storage tank (such as a hot water tank). B. a hot water boiler). The energy required for heating can be supplied to the device for providing hot water by electrical energy, by a fuel, for example natural gas or hydrogen, and / or by a heat flow, for example provided by a heat pump.

The device can also be a mobile device, for example for use in a mobile home or similar.

The device for providing hot water can include control elements that can trigger and/or end a heating process as needed. The device for providing hot water can include control elements that can trigger and/or end a heating process as needed. The facility for hot water provision can be set up in such a way that it is predetermined by the user sets the desired water outlet temperature and supplies it to the user as long as it is needed.

As a rule, a device for providing hot water can detect a withdrawal of hot water, for example by means of a flow sensor, and then switches to heating mode, whereby after a warm-up phase that may occur, the hot water is provided with an outlet temperature that usually corresponds to a predetermined nominal temperature can. The nominal temperature of the device can be adjustable, e.g. B. by the user.

According to step a), a withdrawal parameter is recorded, which allows the most direct or immediate conclusion possible about the amount of hot water withdrawn. The amount of hot water withdrawn refers in particular to the amount that has been released since hot water withdrawal began. Examples of suitable withdrawal parameters can be a flow rate (mass or volume of hot water withdrawn), a heating current (of an electrically operated device for providing hot water), a withdrawal duration, and/or an amount of energy withdrawn (the energy used for heating).

In this context, it is noted that several withdrawal parameters can also be recorded, for example a withdrawal temperature (or nominal temperature) of the device for hot water provision, with known devices for hot water provision often already having a sensor system for detecting the withdrawal temperature. Current values of the removal parameter are preferably recorded using sensors.

In a step b), the removal parameter recorded in step a) is compared with a predefined limit value. The limit value is a limit value of the withdrawal parameter that corresponds to a specific withdrawal quantity. The limit value can be determined empirically and then saved for operation. It is possible that the limit is rigid, but it is also possible that the limit is variable, in particular depending on the nominal temperature and/or other extraction parameters.

In a step c), the outlet temperature of the device for hot water provision is (automatically) reduced as a temperature signal for a signal period when the limit value is reached by the withdrawal parameter. Consequently, the outlet temperature, which is set or requested by the user, is specifically reduced. The reduction is so significant that the user can clearly feel it, so a kind of “cold” temperature signal is transmitted to him. Through the temperature signal in the form of a user-perceptible reduction in the nominal temperature of the device for hot water provision, the user can be informed during the extraction about a (already achieved) extraction quantity, and thus also the associated energy consumption. Advantageously, the temperature signal can be perceived directly, for example during a shower, with no additional (optical and/or acoustic) display devices being necessary and/or provided.

According to an advantageous embodiment, as part of step c), the outlet temperature can be reduced to a range below a (user-side) comfort temperature, which can correspond to the body temperature of approximately 37 °C [degrees Celsius]. In principle, the temperature should be reduced in such a way that the temperature signal can be clearly perceived by a user, but is not accompanied by (significant) losses in comfort.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the outlet temperature of the device for providing hot water can be reduced by 5 K [Kelvin] to 15 K. In this area, the temperature signal can be easily perceived by a user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a suitable signal period of the temperature signal can be in a range between 1 second and 10 seconds. In other words, this means in particular that water is delivered at the lowered outlet temperature for a limited period of time and is then reset to the desired outlet temperature (automatically). The signal period is chosen in particular so that the temperature signal can be easily perceived by a user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, steps a) to c) can also be repeated several times during a (single or continuous) removal process and thus the achievement of the limit value according to step c) can be determined several times, with each repetition (every time the limit value is reached during the same extraction) an intensification of the temperature signal can occur. Advantageously, a user can be informed about the frequency of reaching the limit value by intensifying the temperature signal. The intensification of the temperature signal can be achieved by extending the signal period and/or by lowering the outlet temperature more (i.e. lowering it to a lower temperature). Direction for hot water provision can be realized.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the limit value can be defined by a user, for example through the possibility of (data) input. The input can be made on the device for providing hot water, or on a mobile terminal, for example a cell phone, which can be connected to the device for providing hot water via a (wireless) connection.

According to a further aspect, a computer program is also proposed which is set up to (at least partially) carry out a method presented here. In other words, this applies in particular to a computer program (product), comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to carry out a method proposed here.

According to a further aspect, a machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program is stored is also proposed.

The machine-readable storage medium is usually a computer-readable data carrier.

According to a further aspect, a regulating and control device is also proposed, set up to carry out a method proposed here. For this purpose, the control and control device can, for example, have and/or have a processor. In this context, the processor can, for example, execute the method stored in a memory (of the control device). Advantageously, operating data (for example limit values of the extraction parameter) for carrying out a method presented here can also be stored in the memory of the control device. In addition, the regulating and control device can be set up to detect a limit value (the extraction parameter), for example via a (wireless) connection to a user's mobile device.

According to a further aspect, a device for providing hot water is also proposed, comprising a gas-operated heater or an electric instantaneous water heater and a regulating and control device proposed here.

According to a further aspect, a use of a temperature signal, comprising a reduction in the nominal temperature of a device for providing hot water for a signal period, is used to alert a user to a withdrawal quantity of a device for providing hot water.

The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the method can also occur in the computer program presented here, the regulating and control device, the device for hot water provision and/or the use and vice versa. In this respect, full reference is made to the statements there regarding the more detailed characterization of the features.

Here, a method for operating a device for providing hot water, a computer program, a regulating and control device, a device for providing hot water and a use of a temperature signal are specified, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the method for operating a device for providing hot water, the computer program, the regulating and control device, the device for providing hot water and the use of a temperature signal at least contribute to providing a simple way to inform a user about energy consumption during hot water extraction. Advantageously, no additional (optical and/or acoustic) display devices or the like are required, since the temperature signal can be perceived by the user directly when it is removed.

In addition, the invention can be implemented particularly easily and cost-effectively, since generally only an adaptation of computer software is necessary. The invention is therefore also suitable for retrofitting existing facilities for providing hot water.

• 1: einen Ablauf eines hier vorgestellten Verfahrens,
• 2: eine hier vorgeschlagene Einrichtung zur Warmwasserbereitstellung, und
• 3: Parameterverläufe, die sich bei Durchführung eines hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens einstellen können.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below using the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. Show it:

• 1 : a sequence of a procedure presented here,
• 2 : a device proposed here for providing hot water, and
• 3 : Parameter progressions that can occur when carrying out a method proposed here.

1 showed an example and schematic of a process proposed here. The method serves an energy-efficient operation of a device for providing hot water 1. The sequence of steps a), b) and c) shown in blocks 110, 120 and 130 can occur during a regular operating procedure.

2 shows an example and schematic of a device for hot water provision 1. This can include a control and control device 2 and a heating device 4, wherein cold water can be supplied to the device for hot water provision 1 via a cold water inlet 5, heated in the heating device 4 and via a hot water outlet 20 Removal point 6 is supplied. The heating device 4 can be a heating block of an electric instantaneous water heater or a heat exchanger for providing hot water to a heater. The control and control device 2 can establish a wireless connection to a mobile terminal 3, via which a user can set a limit value 22, for example.

3 shows an example and schematic of parameter curves that can occur when carrying out a method presented here. The diagram establishes the connection between an outlet temperature 23 at the hot water outlet 20 of the hot water supply device 1 and a withdrawal parameter 21, for which the time t is used in the present case.

At time t=0, a withdrawal process can begin by opening the withdrawal point 6 and hot water flows from the hot water outlet 20 with an outlet temperature 23 that corresponds to the nominal temperature 7 to the withdrawal point 6 and the withdrawal parameter 21 is recorded in block 110 according to step a). The limit value 22 can be given by a predefined period of time, with the removal parameter 21 recorded in step a) being compared with the predefined limit value 22 in block 120 according to step b). When the limit value 11 is reached for the first time by the withdrawal parameter 21, in block 130 according to step c) with a first temperature signal 17, the outlet temperature 23 can be reduced to a first signal temperature 8 for a first signal period 12. The outlet temperature 23 is then raised back to nominal temperature 7.

After carrying out steps a) again (in block 110) and b) in block 120) and the withdrawal parameter 21 reaching the limit value 13 for a second time, the outlet temperature 23 can be set to a second signal temperature 9 for a second signal period 14 with a second temperature signal 18 be lowered. The second signal temperature 9 can be noticeably lower than the first signal temperature 8 for a user.

After carrying out steps a) again (in block 110) and b) in block 120) and the withdrawal parameter 21 reaching the limit value 15 for a third time, the outlet temperature 23 can be set to a third signal temperature 10 for a third signal period 16 with a third temperature signal 19 be lowered. The third signal temperature 10 can be noticeably lower than the second signal temperature 9 for a user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, as an alternative or cumulative to the lowering of the second signal temperature 9 compared to the first signal temperature 8 (or the third signal temperature 10 compared to the second signal temperature 9), the second signal period 14 can also be lowered compared to the first signal period 12 (or the third signal period 16 compared to the second signal period 14) can be noticeably extended for a user.

Reference symbol list

1

Facility for hot water provision

2

Control and control device

3

mobile device

4

Heating device

5

Cold water inlet

6

Collection point

7

Nominal temperature

8th

first signal temperature

9

second signal temperature

10

third signal temperature

11

first reaching limit

12

first signal period

13

second reaching limit

14

second signal period

15

third reaching limit

16

third signal period

17

first temperature signal

18

second temperature signal

19

third temperature signal

20

Hot water outlet

21

Withdrawal parameters

22

limit

23

outlet temperature

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 10049597 A1 [0003]
• DE 102009012413 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Method for operating a device for providing hot water (1), comprising at least the following steps: a) recording a withdrawal parameter (21), which allows conclusions to be drawn about the amount of hot water withdrawn; b) comparing the extraction parameter (21) recorded in step a) with a predefined limit value (22), and c) lowering the outlet temperature (23) of the hot water supply device (1) as a temperature signal (17, 18, 19) to a signal temperature (8, 9, 10) for a signal period (12, 14, 16) when the limit value (11 , 13, 15) by the removal parameter (21). Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein in step c) the signal period (12, 14, 16) is in a range from 1 second to 10 seconds and / or the outlet temperature (23) of the hot water supply device (1) is reduced by 5 K to 15 K. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device for providing hot water (1) is a gas-operated heater or an electric instantaneous water heater. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the withdrawal parameter (21) is a withdrawal period and/or a withdrawal quantity. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is repeated several times and with each repetition the temperature signal (17, 18, 19) is intensified, the signal period (12, 14, 15) and/or the amount of reduction in the outlet temperature (23 ) of the device for hot water provision (1) is increased. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the limit value (22) is set by a user via an input device. Procedure according to Claim 6 , whereby the limit value (22) can be entered via a mobile terminal (3). Computer program comprising instructions that cause a computer to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Control and control device (2), set up to carry out a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 . Device for providing hot water (1) with a gas-operated heater or an electric instantaneous water heater, having a regulating and control device (2). Claim 9 . Use of a temperature signal (17, 18, 19), comprising a reduction in the outlet temperature (23) of a device for providing hot water (1) for a signal period (12, 14, 16) in order to alert a user to a withdrawal quantity of a device for providing hot water (1) to point out.

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