EP2066980A2

EP2066980A2 - Boiler/sanitary water heater combination

Info

Publication number: EP2066980A2
Application number: EP07848223A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean Bernard Hurier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-13
Filing date: 2007-09-13
Publication date: 2009-06-10
Also published as: FR2905750B1; WO2008031947A2; FR2905750A1; WO2008031947A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a combined device for heating premises and for producing hot water for sanitary use, said device comprising: at least a first tank (2) intended to contain water (F1) for sanitary use, at least a second tank (6) intended to contain a heat-transfer fluid (F2) for heating use, said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least one heat source (4) connected to a first heat diffusion means (5) situated in said first tank (2) and designed to communicate heat to the water (F1) for sanitary use, and in that the first tank (2) is arranged at least in part inside the second tank (6) so as to transfer heat (Q) from the water (F1) for sanitary use to the heat-transfer fluid (F2). Combined devices for heating premises and for producing hot water for sanitary use.

Description

COMBINED BOILER / HEATING WATER HEATER

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general field of heating devices intended to increase the temperature of one or more fluids, such as water, with a view to their sanitary use and / or their use as a heating vector. 'a local.

The present invention more particularly relates to a combined device for heating a room and producing hot water for sanitary purposes, said device comprising: - at least a first tank defined by a first wall and intended to contain water to sanitary use,

at least one second tank delimited by a second wall and intended to contain a heat-transfer fluid for heating purposes, such as water.

The present invention also relates to a combined method of heating and producing hot water for sanitary purposes.

PRIOR ART

In order to ensure domestic comfort, it is known to produce hot water for different uses.

On the one hand, it is known to produce hot water for sanitary purposes, for personal hygiene (toilet) or daily household chores (dishes). For this purpose, devices of the water heater type are frequently used, including a tank associated with a heating element, such as an electrical resistance, said water heaters being intended to produce and temporarily store said hot water.

On the other hand, it is known to use hot water as heat transfer fluid intended to circulate in a closed heating circuit in order to temper the living quarters during periods of cold.

Typically, such a heating installation may comprise a boiler connected to a circuit comprising for example radiators and / or a heated floor.

Although the hot water production apparatus of the prior art generally give satisfaction, they nevertheless have some significant disadvantages.

In the first place, the production of hot water for sanitary purposes is often separated from the production of heating water. This results in a multiplication of the heaters and, therefore, a significant increase in installation and maintenance costs.

In addition, said heaters are frequently installed away from the points of use of the hot water they produce, and moreover often in unheated rooms, such as laundries, cellars or boiler rooms, such that the production and then the transport of said hot water to its point of use are sometimes at the origin of significant heat losses. Finally, many prior art heating appliances consume fossil fuels (gas, domestic fuel) and therefore have a relatively unfavorable environmental balance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the present invention therefore aim at overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and at proposing a new combined space heating and hot water production device which has a particularly high energy efficiency.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device that is particularly simple, compact and compact design.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device which requires only a minimum of maintenance and simplifies the maintenance installation operations.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device that is particularly respectful of the environment.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device that has a significant autonomy and flexibility of use.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device that optimizes the comfort of the user.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device that has a good responsiveness and a high adaptability vis-à-vis the needs of the user. Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new device whose manufacture is particularly simple and inexpensive.

Finally, another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new combined method of heating and hot water for sanitary use that is both simple, efficient and economical.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a combined device for heating a room and producing hot water for sanitary purposes, said device comprising:

at least one first tank delimited by a first wall and intended to contain water for sanitary purposes,

at least one second tank delimited by a second wall and intended to contain a heat-transfer fluid for heating purposes, such as water, said device being characterized in that it comprises at least one heat source connected to a first heat diffusion means located in said first tank, said first heat diffusion means being adapted to communicate heat to the sanitary water to bring the latter to a first temperature Ti, and in that the first tank is disposed at least partially inside the second tank so as to transfer heat from the sanitary water to the coolant and thus heat the latter to bring it to a second temperature T ₂ , substantially lower or equal to the first temperature Ti.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a combined method of heating a room with a heat transfer fluid and producing hot water for sanitary use, characterized in that it comprises a step (a) of indirect heating of the heat transfer fluid to during which heat is supplied to the water for sanitary use contained in a first tank itself disposed at least partly in a second tank containing said heat transfer fluid, so as firstly to substantially maintain the water contained in the first tank at a first temperature according to a sanitary use and secondly cause a transfer of all or part of said heat from the sanitary water to the heat transfer fluid and thus raise the temperature of the latter to a value sufficient to provide space heating.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view, an example of an installation implementing a variant of a combined device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a schematic diagram, an example of a temperature gradient within the combined device variant represented in FIG. 1,

- Figures 3A and 3B illustrate, in schematic sectional views, two alternative arrangements of the first and the second tank within devices according to the invention.

- Figure 4 illustrates, in a sectional view, an example of a mixing bottle that can be used as a supplementary heat source in a device according to the invention. BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heating device 1 of at least two fluids F ₁ , F ₂ , such as water, for their sanitary use respectively and their use as a heating vector of a local.

Within the meaning of the invention, the device 1 is therefore capable of supplying heat to fluids, gaseous and / or liquid, so as to increase the temperature of said fluids.

By "sanitary use" means the use of a fluid, and particularly preferably the use of water, for personal hygiene (toilet) or even household tasks, such as dishes.

By "heating vector", it is indicated that the fluid in question is used as a coolant for transporting heat, through a heating circuit, from the heating device to a dissipation member, such as a radiator or a floor heating, which is able to heat a room. Within the meaning of the invention, the operation of heating a room consists in providing heat in a place, preferably closed, so as to maintain in this place a temperature substantially higher than that of its environment.

More specifically, the device 1 according to the invention comprises: - at least a first tank 2 delimited by a first wall 3 and intended to contain water for sanitary use (hereinafter "first fluid") Fi,

at least one second tank 6 delimited by a second wall 7 and intended to contain a coolant (hereinafter "second fluid") F ₂ . In other words, the device 1 according to the invention constitutes a "combined" type heating apparatus for heating a room and producing domestic hot water, the first tank 2 of which substantially forms a water heater. and the second tank 6 substantially forms the balloon of a boiler.

In a particularly preferred manner, said device 1 constitutes a domestic heating appliance, intended for example for collective or private dwellings, such as apartments, lodges, etc.

Of course, the present invention is addressed to any type of premises without restriction of destination or area, including any premises for commercial use, storage, or housing, such as an apartment, a house, an office building etc.

Moreover, it is remarkable that the room within the meaning of the invention can be integrated in a fixed building, or in a nomadic structure, including housing, temporary accommodation or transport.

In particular, the device 1 can be adapted to be installed in a nomadic structure of the motorhome, caravan, mobile home, boat, train, prefabricated module, or construction site, the invention therefore also on a such nomadic structure equipped with a combined device 1 according to the invention to jointly ensure its heating and hot water production.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the device 1 comprises at least one heat source 4 which is connected to a first heat diffusion means 5 located in said first tank 2, said first heat diffusion means 5 being designed to communicate from the heat to the sanitary water Fi in order to bring it to a first temperature TV

Of course, the expression "heat diffusion" does not prejudge the heat exchange and propagation mode, for example by conduction, convection and / or radiation, and simply indicates that the heat diffusion means 5 is suitable for provide, or dispense, heat to the first fluid Fi.

According to another important characteristic of the invention, the first tank 2 is arranged at least partly inside the second tank 6 so as to transfer heat Q from the sanitary water F ₁ to the coolant F ₂ and thus heat said heat transfer fluid F ₂ to bring it to a second temperature T ₂ , substantially less than or equal to the first temperature TV

Of course, the calorie intake of the sanitary water Fi to the coolant F ₂ will be sufficient to meet the technical requirements of the use of said heat transfer fluid F ₂ as a heating vector of a room, the amount of heat and the heat transfer power thus operated advantageously to substantially and sustainably compensate, in normal operating conditions, the heat dissipation corresponding to the consumption of the heating circuit. In addition, the power of the heat source 4 transmitted to the water for sanitary use F1 by the heat diffusion means 5 will obviously be sufficient to maintain said water for sanitary use F1 at a temperature T1 respectful of both the comfort of the user only health standards, even when the heating circuit takes heat from the device 1. The device 1 according to the invention is therefore advantageously arranged in such a way that its energy losses by heat loss in its environment are minimized.

Indeed, the heat is produced (or introduced) substantially in his heart, then is, at least in part, transferred from his heart to its periphery.

In other words, the arrangement of the device 1 according to the invention aims to organize the different functional areas of said device by arranging them in the space between the first heat diffusion means 5 and the outside of the device by Successive "layers" ordered in descending order of normal operating temperature.

Within the meaning of the invention, a "functional zone" designates a region of the space of the device 1 which contains a fluid intended for a particular use and whose temperature, preferably substantially homogeneous, is predetermined according to this use. Thus, the space occupied in the first tank 2 by the first fluid F1 can constitute a first functional zone, while the space occupied by the second fluid F ₂ in the second tank 6 constitutes a second functional zone.

Thus, the heat from said first diffusion means 5 is passed successively through these different functional zones, according to a natural descending thermal gradient.

More precisely, the heat Q supplied by the source 4 is firstly communicated from the first diffusion means 5 to the first "hot" fluid Fi, then from said first fluid F1 to the second fluid F ₂ "lukewarm" through the first wall 3. . Thus, the flow of calories is advantageously directed from the sanitary water forming a heart "emitter" of heat to the coolant forming a "receiver" of peripheral heat.

The second wall 7 preferably forms the interface, at least partially, between the inside of the device 1 and the external environment of the latter.

Thus, when said external environment is at a temperature TE less than the second temperature T ₂ , the second fluid F ₂ is advantageously buffer between the first tank 2, and more precisely the first fluid F ₁ and the outside of the device 1, such that the temperature gradient on either side of the second wall 7 is generally as small as possible, since it corresponds to the difference in temperature T ₂ -T _E between the second "warm" fluid F ₂ and l outside, and not between the first fluid "hot" Fi and the outside.

More generally, it is of course conceivable to heat more than two fluids and to order the corresponding functional zones so that the "hot" functional zones are preserved from the strong heat losses by the "warm" zones that separate them at least in part. from the outside of the device, the temperature difference between the peripheral functional zone, the most exposed to wastage, and the outside of the device 1 is therefore minimized.

Preferably, the second tank 6, and more precisely the second wall 7, is furthermore covered, at least in part and preferably entirely, with a thermally insulating material 12.

Advantageously, said insulating material 12 forms a barrier, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, which confines the heat produced or brought into the breast of the device 1 in said device 1, that is to say limits thermal losses from the inside to the outside of said device.

More specifically, said insulating material 12 may be single-layer or multi-layer, for example formed in a synthetic cellular polymer which encapsulates the device 1 and which may in particular be attached to and / or integrated with the outer walls of said device, and more specifically with the second wall 7.

According to an alternative embodiment, the heat source 4 is placed, preferably in its entirety, inside the first tank 2, and particularly preferably substantially in the center of the latter, so as to be immersed in the first fluid F- _t .

Thus, the production of heat, that is to say the generation of calories, is carried out directly "on s / te", inside the device 1, and preferably substantially at the heart of said device, so that that there is no heat loss inherent in the transfer between the heat source 4 and the first heat diffusion means 5.

This naturally optimizes the energy efficiency of the device 1 since most, if not substantially all, of the heat produced within said device 1 effectively contributes to heating the first and second fluid, even if a small portion of said heat is likely to be finally dissipated towards the outside of the device, after having "crossed" the various successive functional areas.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat source 4 comprises an electric heating resistor 10, optionally sheathed with a sleeve 11. Said sheath 11 is preferably made of a refractory material allowing on the one hand the protection of said resistor 10 against calcareous deposits and on the other hand the distribution or accumulation of heat.

In addition, the sheath 11 is preferably placed directly in contact with the first fluid at its outer surface to form a first diffusion means 5 allowing at least conductive heat transfer.

Furthermore, the device 1 is preferably provided with at least one hot water outlet connector 20 designed to put the first tank 2 into communication with a sanitary plumbing installation 21 (or "hot water circuit"). , in order to feed the latter.

Conventionally, such a connection may be formed by a tubular element which passes through the first wall 3 and at the end of which is fixed an annular flange.

According to the invention, the first tank 2 may advantageously form a water heater, that is to say be designed both for the production and storage of domestic hot water.

In addition, the device 1 is preferably provided with one or more heating connections 30, 30 ', 31, 31' designed to put the second tank 6 in communication with a heating installation 32 (or "heating circuit"). .

In addition, the heat transfer fluid for heating F ₂ is preferably formed by water, optionally containing an additive such as antifreeze. Advantageously, the use of water simplifies the supply of the second fluid F ₂ and contributes to minimizing the cost of the installation.

In a particularly preferred manner, the heating installation 32 forms a closed circuit, one section of which is formed by the interior of the second tank 6. More precisely, said heating installation 32 can connect a starting heating connection 30, 30 ' whereby the second fluid exits from the second tank 6 to a return heating connection 31, 31 'through which said second fluid returns to the interior of said second tank 6.

Preferably, the hot water outlet fitting 20 and the starting heating connection 30, 30 'are preferably arranged in the respective upper parts of the first and second tanks, so that they respectively take the first and second fluid in the hottest layers of said fluids.

In addition, the starting and / or return connections of the heating circuit may be provided with non-return valves to guarantee the unidirectional circulation of the coolant.

In a conventional manner, the heating installation 32 may comprise a circulator 33, as well as dissipation members 34, such as radiators, fan heaters, a floor heating, or any other equivalent means.

According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, the device 1 may comprise several sets of heating connections, and more specifically several starting connections 30, 30 ', in particular formed by standard diameter elements 26 / 34, and a plurality of return connectors 31, 31 '. Thus, it will be possible for example to assign at least a first set, that is to say a first pair of feed and return connections, to the supply of a heating floor and a second set (or second pair), separate from the first, to supply a separate radiator circuit. Preferably, each of the two independent heating circuits will furthermore have its own circulator.

Moreover, it is remarkable that the inventors have found that it is generally useless, under temperate latitudes, to bring the heat transfer fluid F ₂ to a very high temperature to obtain an ambient temperature, in a suitably insulated dwelling, of the order of 20 ^° C.

More specifically, for use in underfloor heating, it is sufficient to have a temperature T ₂ of the coolant F ₂ in the second tank 6 between 25 ⁰ C and 50 ⁰ C, and preferably between 28 ⁰ C and 40 ⁰ C, while for a radiator circuit, a temperature T _{2 of} said heat transfer fluid F ₂ of the order of 40 ⁰ C to 55 ⁰ C is satisfactory.

On the other hand, the temperature Ti of the water for sanitary use contained in the first tank 2 is preferably both to ensure user comfort and to meet sanitary standards in the fight against micro-organisms, substantially between 60 ⁰ C and 70 ⁰ C, and preferably is substantially equal to 65 ⁰ C.

Therefore, the device 1 advantageously uses domestic hot water Fi as a hot source for heating the heat transfer fluid F ₂ . Thus, the device 1 does not waste energy to "overheat" said heat transfer fluid F ₂ , either directly for heating or indirectly to heat through the water for sanitary use Fi. In addition, the inventors have found that, while it is frequently necessary, or at the very least useful for the user's comfort, to have a large supply of hot water for sanitary use Fi, it is suitable for contrary to minimize the amount of heat transfer fluid F ₂ in the boiler (here, the second tank 6) so as to promote and accelerate the heating of the latter, and thus optimize the reactivity of the heating installation 32.

This is why the volume of sanitary water Fi contained in the device 1, and more specifically (first tank 2, is preferably greater than or equal to the volume of heat transfer fluid F ₂ contained in said device 1, and more specifically the second tank 6.

In particular, the ratio of the volume of water for sanitary use to the volume of heat transfer fluid within the device may be substantially greater than or equal to 1 (that is to say that the device contains at least as much water to sanitary use as heat transfer fluid), preferably substantially greater than or equal to 2 (that is to say that the device 1 contains twice as much water for sanitary use as heat transfer fluid), and particularly preferably higher or equal to 3, even greater than or equal to 5, or even greater than or equal to 10.

Of course, in order to ensure a certain stability of the temperature of the first fluid Fi within the first tank 2, especially when the user draws hot water, the first tank 2 will preferably contain a significant volume, for example between 100 liters and 300 liters, which gives it a certain thermal inertia.

Finally, it is remarkable that the device 1 allows to have all year long a large reserve of domestic hot water without having for this need to "maintain" jointly a large volume of heat transfer fluid when it is no longer necessary to heat the room, which limits the necessary heating power and the energy consumption of said device 1, while improving the stability and responsiveness of its water heater function.

Preferably, the device 1 is arranged in such a way that the first and second fluids F ₁ , F ₂ are separated without the possibility of mixing with each other and can not escape from said device 1 other than by the openings (connections) provided for this purpose. This is why the first and second walls 3, 7 are preferably perfectly sealed, especially under the expected conditions of temperature and normal operating pressure of the device 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first tank 2 is arranged with respect to the second tank 6 so that the first wall 3 is in contact with the heat transfer fluid F ₂ over at least 50%, preferably at least 75% , and particularly preferably on at least 90% of its outer surface.

In other words, the first tank 2 is then mostly covered by the second fluid F ₂ in which it is immersed and is preferably completely immersed (with the possible exception of the surfaces necessary for the mechanical fixing of the first and second tanks, of course).

According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first tank 2 is completely contained in the second tank 6, that is to say that the volume occupied by the first tank 2 is included in the volume occupied by the second tank 6.

Thus, the volume occupied by the second tank 6 and marked by the second wall 7 may substantially define the overall size of the device 1. Within the meaning of the invention, the device 1 therefore preferably comprises a first tank 2 substantially "internal" or "central" associated with a second tank 6 substantially "external" or "peripheral".

Of course, the first and second tanks can adopt various shapes and volumes, without departing from the scope of the invention.

However, particularly preferably, the first and / or second vessel 2, 6, and more precisely the first and / or the second wall 3, 7, will have a substantially cylindrical shape of extension axis (XX '), of circular section, and closed at each of its ends by a straight or curved base surface (for example spherical cap type).

In a particularly preferred manner, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and the second vats may be arranged substantially vertically, and nested one inside the other, in a substantially coaxial manner.

In addition, the first and second tanks are preferably fixed in connection with each other, for example by a weld bead, so as to eliminate any mobility relative to each other.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the first and the second tank 2, 6, said arrangement being able to constitute an invention in its own right, regardless of the destination (sanitary use or heating) respectively first and second fluid.

Thus, the first wall 3 may have a lower portion 31 and an upper portion 3S connected by a lateral portion 3L, whereas, as this is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3A, the second tank 6 can form a cap which substantially covers said upper portion 3S and at least a part of said lateral portion 3L.

According to another variant embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the first tank 2 can be immersed almost completely in the heat transfer fluid F ₂ , with the exception, however, of the areas covered by a support 47, of relatively small dimensions, which is connected stably to the second wall 7. Said support 47 may in particular be formed by a collar or a boss embossed in the interior of the second vessel 6 from its lower portion.

Preferably, the first wall 3 and the second wall 7 are mostly disjoint and define an interstitial space 40 containing the heat transfer fluid F ₂ .

By "mostly disjoint", it is indicated that, in a configuration of the device 1 according to which the second tank 6 would be contiguous to the first tank 2, or even integral with the latter, this wall community would be only partial and limited. More specifically, the proportion of the first wall 3 contiguous directly in contact with the second wall 7, or a fortiori merged with the latter, does not exceed 50%, preferably 30%, and particularly preferably 10% in area.

In other words, the first and second tanks are advantageously substantially separated from each other so as to maximize the exchange surface between the first and the second fluid through the first wall.

In addition, such an arrangement limits the areas of direct exposure of the first tank 2 to the outside temperature TE. "Direct exposure zones" means the zones of the device in which a "short circuit" thermal bridge is formed by which heat can flow directly from the sanitary water Fi to the outside of the device, through the first wall 3 and if necessary through the layer of insulating material 12, without intermediate passage by the heat transfer fluid F ₂ .

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the first tank 2 may have a base diameter that is substantially smaller than that of the second tank 6 and said first and second tanks can be attached to each other - only - by their lower base so that the second fluid F ₂ bathes the lateral and upper portions of the first wall 3.

In this particular configuration, the second tank 6 caps the first tank 2 forming a kind of bell in which the second fluid F ₂ envelopes the first wall 3.

The interstitial space 40, here corresponding to the region of the space between the outside of the first wall 3 and the inside of the second wall 7, will naturally be dimensioned so as to allow the circulation of the second fluid F ₂ around of the first tank 2, and more particularly between the return heating connection 31, 31 'and the starting heating connection 30, 30', while ensuring a sufficiently efficient heat transfer from the first tank 2 to the second fluid F ₂ .

As such, it is conceivable to have in the interstitial space 40, and more particularly on the inner surface of the wall 7, means for counteracting the flow of said second fluid F ₂ within said interstitial space 40, such as asperities or baffles, or even to make said flow turbulent to improve the heat transfer between the first and the second fluid. In addition, the skilled person will be able to appreciate case by case the dimensions of the first and second tanks, as well as the power of the heat source 4, and the number and size of dissipators 34 or the flow rate of the second fluid F ₂ in the heating system 32.

It is remarkable that the peripheral arrangement of the heat transfer fluid F ₂ , and more particularly of the interstitial space 40, advantageously makes it possible, while maintaining a relatively small volume of second fluid F ₂ inside the device 1, to maximize the diameter the first tank 2 relative to the overall size of said device 1, and more particularly with respect to the diameter of the second tank 6, and therefore the exchange surface formed by the first wall 3, which optimizes the efficiency of the whole.

Of course, it is perfectly conceivable to have more than two nesting vats that wrap each other, preferably substantially coaxially or concentrically, and delimit several consecutive separated interstitial spaces which contain as many fluids to be heated.

Moreover, in order to compensate for the volume of water taken from the first tank 2 by the user when he draws domestic hot water, the device 1 is preferably provided with an inlet orifice 41 which communicates with the outside of said device 1 and allows the connection thereof to a cold water supply network (not shown).

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment shown in Figure 1, the device 1 further comprises a preheating circuit 42 of the sanitary water, said preheating circuit 42 joining the inlet port 41 to the first tank 2 by means of a pipe 43 immersed in the heat transfer fluid F ₂ . Thus, said tubing 43 advantageously serves as a heat exchanger between the second fluid F ₂ , or directly the first wall 3, and the cold water admitted into the tank 1, so that the cold water from the network is lukewarm before entering the heart of the first tank 2.

In addition, the point of entry of the water of the network into the first tank 2 is preferably located in the lower part of said first tank, and in the immediate vicinity of the first heat diffusion means 5.

Thus, the admission of cold water, in the context of normal operation, does not lead to a significant variation, and in any case not a sudden variation, in the average temperature of the water for sanitary use Fi contained in the first tank 2 and drawn by the user, so that the comfort and safety of the latter are assured.

Of course, the tubing 43 may have any shape, including a substantially flattened section and / or parallelepiped. However, it will preferably be formed by a tube of circular section and particularly preferably wound in a serpentine around the first tank 2, in contact with or at a distance from the latter, in the interstitial space 40.

Of course, the materials constituting the first tank 2 and the second tank 6, as well as the preheating tubing 43 will be selected so as to be physically and chemically compatible with the first and second fluids Fi, F ₂ with which they are brought into contact, as well as with the temperature and pressure ranges corresponding to the operation of the device 1.

In addition, the elements involved in heat transfer, such as preheating tubing 43 or first wall 3, in areas where said first wall is interposed between the first and the second fluid Fi, F ₂ , will naturally be made of materials having a high thermal conductivity.

Thus, the first wall 3 may in particular be made of metal, and more particularly of stainless steel, aluminum, copper or a copper-based alloy.

The second wall 7 may be formed for example based on stainless steel or enamelled steel.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 may be provided with an access orifice 45 provided with fixing means, such as a circular screw flange, designed so that one can sealingly providing said access port 45 with a removable closure panel 46.

Such a removable panel 46 may furthermore form a base serving as a support for the first heat diffusion means 5, and, more specifically, for the electrical resistance 10.

Advantageously, such an arrangement simplifies the maintenance of the device 1 since it makes it possible, on the one hand, to replace, if necessary, the heat source 4 or the diffusion means 5 in the event of failure or degradation of these, and of secondly to access the interior of the first tank 2 or even the second tank 6, for example to carry out a descaling.

Of course, the device may be provided with filling means connected to the water supply network, as well as purge means connected to the wastewater drainage network, such as ball valves (not shown) placed at low points of the first and second tanks, so as to allow additional filling, or conversely the emptying, of one or the other of said tanks.

In addition, the device 1 may be provided with one or more air purge means, preferably located at the high points of said tanks.

In addition, for safety reasons, said device will preferably be associated with one or more pressure-limiting means capable of evacuating fluid from the first and / or the second tank in the event of abnormal rise of the pressure within them. .

In addition, the device 1 according to the invention will preferably be provided with a first and a second temperature probe 50, 51 respectively immersed in the first fluid Fi and the second fluid F ₂ .

Said probes can naturally be coupled to a regulating member, for example electronic or electromechanical, which triggers the activation of the heat source 4 when the temperature of one and / or the other fluid Fi, F ₂ goes down in a direction. predetermined threshold, and, conversely, which cuts the heat source 4 when one and / or the other temperature exceeds a predetermined upper threshold.

Such a control system allows in particular to maintain a sufficiently high temperature of the domestic hot water to eliminate certain pathogens, while avoiding bringing said water to a boil.

Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to appreciate the dimensioning of the device 1, and in particular the respective capacities and dimensions of the first and second tanks, the nominal operating temperatures Ti and T ₂ , the power of the heat source 4 and the flow rate of the circulator 33, depending on the forecast consumption of domestic hot water, the climate under which the device is installed, the surface area and the quality of the insulation of the room to be heated.

For example, in temperate latitudes, it will be possible to use electrical resistance powers of the order of 1000 to 5000 Watts and preferably of 2000 to 3000 Watts for volumes of first tank 2 ranging substantially from 100 to 300 liters.

As such, and although the first heat diffusion means 5, and even more so the heat source 4, is preferably the sole means of transmitting heat to the device 1, it is nevertheless conceivable that the device 1 comprises in addition to a booster heat source 60, such as a solar panel 61 or an additional heating resistor, said booster heat source 60 being connected to second heat diffusion means 62 located outside the first heat source 62 tank 2 and arranged to communicate heat to the heat transfer fluid F ₂ .

Advantageously, this auxiliary heat source 60 makes it possible, on the one hand, to temporarily increase the overall heating power of the device 1, particularly in the event of extreme cold, and on the other hand to regulate more precisely the temperature T ₂ , of relatively independent of the gradient between the first temperature Ti and the temperature of the environment TE.

Thus, the auxiliary heat source 60 can advantageously be implemented in order to limit the volume of the sanitary water reserve Fi while preserving the regulating effect of said reserve. Indeed, said volume would otherwise tend to increase when it is desired to have a large heating power while ensuring relative stability of the temperature of water for sanitary use. In other words, the auxiliary source 60 allows the user to have a water heater whose volume is not excessive while maintaining a useful power of boiler important, able to cover a wide range of climatic situations to which is exposed the room to be heated.

Preferably, however, the power of the additional heat source remains substantially less than that of the heat source 4 and / or the first heat diffusion means 5, which form the main heat supply members of the device 1 .

The second heat diffusion means 62 may for example be formed by a coil or an equivalent exchanger disposed inside the second tank 6 and immersed in the second fluid F ₂ , so that the heat transfer fluid contained in the circuit auxiliary 64 which connects said coil to the auxiliary source 60 does not mix with the second fluid F ₂ .

However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, it will preferably be the same heat transfer fluid F ₂ which will circulate in the booster circuit 64 and in the heating circuit 32, the mixture preferably taking place in a common section. to both circuits within interstitial space 40.

As a variant, it is of course conceivable for the booster circuit 64 to communicate heat to the heating circuit 32 in an area outside the tank 2, and more specifically substantially to the heating return connection 31. the booster circuit 64 may connect the solar panel 61 to an exchanger 65 connected to the heating pipe upstream of the heating return connection 31.

It is remarkable that the use of a solar thermal panel 61 advantageously contributes to the ecological operation of the booster circuit 64. According to an alternative embodiment which may constitute an invention as such, independently of the device 1, the auxiliary source 60 may comprise a mixing bottle 80 such as that represented in FIG. 4.

Said mixing bottle 80 comprises an inlet orifice 81 for connection to the heating circuit 32, preferably provided with a check valve, and an outlet orifice 82, preferably connected to the return connection 30. Said bottle 80 also preferably comprises a heat source 83, of the electrical resistance type, and / or connection means 84 to an exchanger, as well as a heat sensor 85 designed to thermally regulate the calorie intake of the source 83 and / or from the exchanger to the coolant 2 within the bottle 80.

It is remarkable that the volume of the mixing bottle 80 is advantageously restricted in order to allow a rapid rise in the temperature of the heat transfer fluid F ₂ , in particular at the start of the device 1, without it being otherwise necessary to overcome beforehand the thermal inertia of the volume of water for sanitary use Fi.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 may comprise a power generation unit 70, offset relative to the tanks, as well as electrical connection means 71 connecting said power generation unit to the heating resistor 10.

Of course, it is conceivable that the electricity generating unit 70 produce electrical energy from any source of energy, including fossil. Thus, said unit 70 may for example consist of a generator, the drive may possibly be provided by the same combustion engine as that for the propulsion of the nomadic structure, of the boat or camper type, in which the device 1 is installed.

However, particularly preferably, the electricity generating unit 70 is designed to produce electricity from a renewable energy source and may include a photovoltaic solar panel or a wind turbine.

Advantageously, such an embodiment allows the device 1 to operate, at least partially, independently and in a particularly environmentally friendly manner.

In particular, in the hot period, when the second fluid F ₂ is maintained in the second tank 6 and does not circulate in the heating circuit 32, that is to say that the energy supplied to the device 1 is essentially, or even dedicated exclusively to the production of hot water in the first tank 2, such a photovoltaic power supply system can perfectly suffice for the autarkic operation of the device 1.

In addition, the device 1 may comprise an electrical energy storage unit 72, battery type, which is connected to the heating resistor 10 so as to power the latter electrically.

In a particularly advantageous way, by connecting the power generation unit 70 to the battery 72, a power supply system is created capable of accumulating electrical energy, for example during a sunny day, and then restoring it when it is necessary to provide heating power to the device 1, for example at night.

It is remarkable that such an arrangement is particularly well suited to the use of the device 1 within a dwelling structure remote from the distribution networks, or a mobile housing structure, such as motorhome, caravan, cruise ship, etc., especially in sunny latitudes.

The operation of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 will now be briefly described.

For this purpose, it is considered that the device 1 forms a water heater / boiler combination whose heat source 4 is formed by an electrical resistance 10, whose second tank is connected to a heating circuit 32 and the first tank to a domestic hot water distribution circuit 21.

In a first step, it is considered that the circulator 33 of the heating circuit is cut off and that the first and second tanks 2 and 6 are both filled with cold equilibrium water whose temperature is substantially equal to the temperature of the environment. of the TE device.

The minimum setpoint temperature for the first temperature Ti is set to T-IMIN, for example equal to 65 ° C., and as the maximum setpoint the value Ti _ma χ, preferably substantially equal to 70 ^° C.

The first temperature sensor 50 then measures Ti equal to TE (for example 20 ^° C.), which triggers, via the regulator, the production of heat by the resistor 10.

Said heat is first transmitted to the first fluid F 1, in particular by conduction, from the sleeve 11 to the proximal water layers of the first fluid F 1 placed in contact with it, and then from said proximal water layers to the distal water layers. of the first fluid Fi, located at a distance from said sheath and near the inner face of the first wall 3. The heat then diffuses through the first wall 3 to be transmitted from the first fluid Fi to the second fluid F ₂ located in the interstitial space 40. More specifically, the heat Q propagates through the second fluid F ₂ , from the layers located near the first wall 3 ("hot") to the layers located on the periphery of the device, against the inner face of the second wall 7 ("cold").

Said second wall 7 being covered or lined with a thermally insulating material 12, the propagation of heat is considerably reduced between the inside of the second tank 6 and the outside of the device 1. In other words, it is substantially confined the heat supplied by the resistor 10 within the device 1.

The first temperature of the first fluid rises substantially as long as the power supply of the resistor 10 is maintained (and the losses do not balance the production of heat by said resistor, of course).

When the temperature of the first fluid exceeds the lower setpoint value TIMIN, and preferably when it reaches the upper setpoint value T-IMAX, the supply of the resistor 10 is interrupted and the acquired heat substantially retained within the device 1 .

If the user draws hot water using the domestic hot water circuit 21, it creates a call for cold water that enters the device through the inlet 41 and travels through the tubing 43 until The cold water receives, through the wall of the coil 43, heat from the second fluid F ₂ , which has the effect of warming it. If the water supply is large enough, it causes a significant drop in the temperature of the first fluid Fi contained in the first tank 2, which falls below the set value TIMIN, which has the effect of triggering again heating the resistance 10.

Of course, it is remarkable that the sleeve 11 may comprise a large mass of refractory material, capable of accumulating thermal energy and then to restore it and having sufficient inertia to maintain the temperature of the first fluid to an acceptable level without the need to reactivate the resistor for several hours.

Suppose now that it is necessary to heat the premises served by the device 1 because of the arrival of the cold season.

The circulator 33 is then started, which draws the second fluid F ₂ from the second tank 6, which until now has been stored at a second equilibrium temperature T ₂ substantially close to the temperature Ti of the domestic hot water. .

The second fluid then travels the dissipator circuit 34 through which it communicates heat to the room before returning, substantially cooled, to the second tank 2.

By entering the interstitial space 40, said second fluid F ₂ flows in contact with the first wall 3 which is substantially at the first temperature T ₁ .

In doing so, the second fluid takes heat from the first wall 3, which in return takes heat from the first fluid F ₁ which therefore sees its temperature drop. When the temperature of the first fluid falls below its lower target value T-IMIN, the resistor 10 is energized so as to compensate for the heat loss corresponding to the consumption of the heating circuit 32.

Thus, in the steady state, it is possible to observe, within the device 1, a spatial temperature gradient such as that diagrammatically represented by the diagram of FIG. 2, which represents the temperature (ordinate axis) as a function of the distance to the axis d extension (XX ') in the transverse direction (YY') shown in FIG.

By convention, it is considered here that the first and second temperatures Ti and T ₂ reflect average values in the fluids concerned, said temperatures being able in particular to depend on the flow conditions of the coolant 2 and the altitude of the measurement point considered.

As illustrated in said diagram, the heating resistor 10 is carried and substantially maintained at a temperature TR which enables it to transfer calories to the first fluid F1 and thus to maintain the temperature Ti thereof substantially between the set values. lower and upper, despite the extraction of calories operated by the second fluid F ₂ through the first wall 3 to the heated premises.

Of course, as long as said second fluid F ₂ flows in the heating circuit 32 and is cooled in the dissipating members 34, its temperature T ₂ remains substantially lower than that Ti of the hot source constituted by the body of water for sanitary purposes, such that the heat provided by the resistance spontaneously moves from the sanitary water to the coolant. Of course, the invention also relates as such to a combined method of heating a room by means of a heat transfer fluid F ₂ and hot water for sanitary use Fi, said method. comprising a step (a) of indirect heating of the coolant F ₂ during which heat is supplied to the water for sanitary use F ₁ contained in a first tank 2 itself disposed at least partly in a second tank 6 containing said heat transfer fluid F ₂ , so as firstly to substantially maintain the water contained in the first tank at a first temperature Ti conform to a sanitary use and secondly cause a transfer of all or part of said heat from the sanitary water Fi to the heat transfer fluid F ₂ , more particularly through the first wall 3 of said first tank 2, and thus raise the temperature T _{2 of} said heat transfer fluid F ₂ to a value sufficient to ensure the heating of the local.

Thus, the device 1 according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to centralize the production of heat, and more particularly of hot water, within a single device which is furthermore arranged so as to minimize thermal losses, by ordering the production and distribution of heat according to operating temperature levels which gradually decrease with the removal of the heat source.

In addition, the device 1 according to the invention on the one hand optimizes heat transfer between the hot source (domestic water) and the cold source (heat transfer fluid) by maximizing the exchange surface between these sources, and other On the other hand, the efficiency of the heat extraction performed on the hot source increases and reduces its influence on the said hot source by minimizing the volume of heat transfer fluid relative to the volume of sanitary water. In addition, the device 1 according to the invention is, in its electric version, particularly safe, low dirt, low pollutant and requires minimal maintenance.

Thus, such a device is particularly suitable for renovation projects to the extent that it can easily replace a previously installed boiler, and in particular without requiring fuel or fuel storage fuel or gas type.

Furthermore, its clean and quiet operation and its relatively small footprint allows its installation in the immediate vicinity of the hot water or points of use, which contributes to reducing the costs of realization of heating installations and / or domestic hot water, as well as considerably limiting the heat loss between the heating device and the final point of use.

Finally, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a small number of parts, which are moreover likely to be manufactured in large series by the implementation of perfectly controlled technologies, so that the cost of manufacturing said device is particularly low.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of combined heating and hot water production devices for sanitary purposes.

Claims

1 - Combined device for heating a room and producing hot water for sanitary purposes, said device comprising:

at least one first tank (2) delimited by a first wall (3) and intended to contain water for sanitary use (F ₁ ),

at least one second tank (6) delimited by a second wall (7) and intended to contain a heat-transfer fluid for heating purposes (F ₂ ), such as water, said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least one heat source (4) connected to a first heat diffusion means (5) in said first tank (2), said first heat diffusion means (5) being adapted to communicate heat with the sanitary water (F ₁ ) to bring the latter to a first temperature (Ti), and in that the first tank (2) is arranged at least partly inside the second tank (6). ) so as to transfer heat (Q) from the sanitary water (Fi) to the coolant (F ₂ ) and thereby heat the latter to bring it to a second temperature (T ₂ ), substantially less than or equal to at the first temperature (T ₁ ).

2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the first vessel (2) is arranged relative to the second vessel (6) so that the first wall (3) is in contact with the heat transfer fluid (F ₂ ) on at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and particularly preferably at least 90%, of its outer surface. - Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the volume of sanitary water (FO it contains is greater than or equal to the volume of coolant (F ₂ ) it contains, the ratio of the volume of water for sanitary use on the volume of heat transfer fluid within the device being substantially greater than or equal to 1, preferably substantially greater than or equal to 2, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 3.

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first wall (3) has a lower portion (3I) and an upper portion (3S) connected by a side portion (3L) and that the second vessel (6). ) forms a cap which substantially covers said upper portion (3S) and at least a portion of said lateral portion (3L).

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first vessel (2) is integrally contained in the second vessel (6).

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first and the second wall (3, 7) are mostly disjoint and define an interstitial space (40) containing the coolant (F ₂ ).

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the heat source (4) is placed inside the first vessel (2).

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the heat source (4) comprises an electric heating resistor (10). - Device according to claim 8 characterized in that it comprises a power generation unit (70) and electrical connection means (71) connecting said unit (70) to the heating resistor (10).

-Dispositif according to claim 9 characterized in that the power generation unit (70) is designed to produce electricity from a renewable energy source, and preferably comprises a photovoltaic panel or a wind turbine.

- Device according to claim 9 or 10 characterized in that it comprises a battery-type electrical energy storage unit (72), connected to the heating resistor (10) so as to power the latter electrically.

-Dispositif according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a preheating circuit (42) of water for sanitary use (F ₁ ), said preheating circuit (42) joining an inlet port (41). ), communicating with the outside of the device (1), to the first tank (2) by means of a pipe (43) immersed in the coolant (F ₂ ).

-Dispositif according to claims 6 and 12 characterized in that the tubing (43) of the preheating circuit (42) is wound in a serpentine around the first vessel (2) in the interstitial space (40).

- Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a supplementary heat source (60), such as a solar panel (61), which is connected to a second heat diffusion means (62). ) located outside the first tank (2) and arranged to communicate heat to the coolant (F ₂ ). - Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the second tank (2) is covered, at least in part, an insulating material (12).

-Dispositif according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it constitutes a domestic heating device.

Nomadic structure of dwelling or transport, of the motorhome, caravan, mobile home, boat, prefabricated module, or construction site, characterized in that it is equipped with a combined device 1 according to the one of claims 1 to 16 to jointly ensure its heating and hot water production.

Combined method for heating a room by means of a heat transfer fluid (F ₂ ) and of hot water for sanitary use (F ₁ ), said method comprising a step (a) of indirect heating of the heat transfer fluid ( F ₂ ) during which heat is supplied to the sanitary water (F ₁ ) contained in a first tank (2) itself disposed at least partly in a second tank (6) containing said fluid coolant (F ₂ ), so as firstly substantially maintain the water contained in the first tank at a first temperature (Ti) consistent with a sanitary use and secondly cause a transfer of all or part of said heat from the sanitary water (Fi) to the coolant (F ₂ ) and thus raise the temperature (T ₂ ) of said heat transfer fluid (F ₂ ) to a value sufficient to ensure the heating of the room.