EP3101366A2 - Method for estimating a physical magnitude of a water heater water tank - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for estimating a thermal quantity of a water tank (10), the water tank (10) extending along a substantially vertical axis and having: An intermediate portion (P2) in heat exchange with a device (11) for heating the water of the tank (10); - A lower part (P1) having a water inlet (E); - an upper part (P3) having a water outlet (S); The water inlet (E) and / or the water outlet (S) being equipped with a flow sensor (21, 22) measuring a water flow drawn off; The method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by data processing means (30) connected to said flow sensor (21, 22), of steps of: (a) Determination of an operating regime; (b) From an initial volume (V2 i) of the intermediate portion (P2) and initial temperatures (T1 i, T2 i, T3 i) of the portions (P1, P2, P3) of the reservoir (10), determining a final volume (V2 f) of the intermediate portion (P2) and final temperatures (T1 f, T2 f, T3 f) of the portions (P1, P2, P3) of the reservoir (10); (c) Estimation of said thermal quantity of the water tank (10) as a function of the final temperatures and volumes (T1f, T2f, T3f, V1f, V2f, V3f) of the parts (P1, P2, P3 ) of the reservoir (10).

Description

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for estimating a thermal quantity in a water heater type system.

STATE OF THE ART

The "energy mix" refers to the distribution of the different sources consumed for the production of electrical energy. This energy mix, in constant evolution, sees the constant progression of the Renewable Energies, which entails an increased need in flexibilities of the system.

The latter, mainly represented by wind power and photovoltaics, do not allow a constant and regulated production, unlike a nuclear power plant, hence the problems of variability and predictability of the associated production. This makes the risks of the very short term increase sharply.

On the other hand, local problems of quality of electrical supply will be amplified because of inhomogeneous geographical distribution of the installations, with for example rather photovoltaic in the South and wind power in the North.

It seems essential to find solutions for controlling the associated load in order to control the risk associated with Renewable Energies.

For example, it has been proposed to charge stationary batteries to facilitate the massive insertion of photovoltaic panels ("NiceGrid" demonstrator). However, the high investment costs do not allow to consider a large scale deployment of this alternative solution. It is also planned to act on the reactive power provided by the photovoltaic panels to adjust the voltage. However, this last track does not answer to the stakes of control of the wind hazard.

Alternatively to storage via batteries, it is possible to store the energy thermally. With nearly 12 million units installed in France, more than 80% of which are slaved to the Peak Hours / Off-Peak (HP / HC) tariff signal, the Joule water heater (CEJ) residential storage pool - used today for the daily smoothing of the load curve - is likely to meet these new challenges.

The applicant has therefore filed several patent applications such as FR1363229 , FR1363237 , FR1452022 or FR1453375 , offering very satisfactory solutions to use the storage capacity of water heaters Joule to regulate the electrical energy of renewable origin in an efficient, intelligent, and adaptable to any existing water heater without heavy modifications, and without direct coupling.

However, we note that the systems described in these applications use as variable the so-called "temperature profile" data, ie more complex thermodynamic parameters than a simple temperature value, in particular the quantities of energy stored / storable in the storage tanks. these water heaters.

These energies may be estimated in the form of heat capacity of water (4185 kg j ^-.. K ^{1 -1)} from the temperature and volume of the reservoir, but this amounts to model a tank with a volume of water of uniform temperature, which is in practice false and constitutes a strong approximation.

A more precise estimate of the temperature profile would allow a more precise control of the water heater park and thus an optimization of the energy consumption and a better adaptation compared to the variability of the productions at the local scale to satisfy the constraints on the network. , without prejudice to the comfort of the user.

So the demand WO2012164102 proposes a ball divided into several "layers" each equipped with a temperature sensor. From two temperature setpoints and measurements of these sensors, it is possible to calculate "variables of interest" such as the remaining energy capacity of the balloon or the minimum energy required to ensure that the water is uniformly at the first temperature set point.

Such a system is efficient but it is "intrusive". This means that it requires a physical modification of the balloon (introduction of a plurality of sensors at predetermined locations) and is applicable in practice only to new water heaters.

On the contrary, it would be desirable to make the best use of existing equipment without significant modification.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

• Une partie intermédiaire en échange thermique avec un dispositif de chauffage de l'eau du réservoir, le dispositif comprenant un moyen de chauffage alimenté par un réseau électrique ;
• Une partie inférieure présentant une entrée d'eau ; et
• Une partie supérieure présentant une sortie d'eau ;

The invention proposes to overcome these drawbacks by proposing according to a first aspect a method for estimating a thermal quantity of a water tank, the water tank extending along a substantially vertical axis and having:

• An intermediate part in heat exchange with a device for heating the water of the tank, the device comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network;
• A lower part having a water inlet; and
• An upper part having a water outlet;

The water inlet and / or the water outlet being equipped with a flow sensor measuring a water flow drawn off;

1. (a) Détermination d'un régime de fonctionnement parmi un premier régime de soutirage d'eau depuis le réservoir, un deuxième régime de chauffe de l'eau du réservoir sans soutirage, et un troisième régime sans soutirage et sans chauffe en fonction de données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif, et de mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
2. (b) A partir d'un volume initial de la partie intermédiaire et de températures initiales des parties du réservoir, détermination d'un volume final de la partie intermédiaire et de températures finales des parties du réservoir, en fonction d'au moins le régime de fonctionnement déterminé, les données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif, et les mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
3. (c) A partir de volumes initiaux des parties inférieure et supérieure et dudit volume final de la partie intermédiaire, détermination de volumes finaux des parties inférieure et supérieure ;
4. (d) Estimation de ladite grandeur thermique du réservoir d'eau en fonction des températures et volumes finaux des parties du réservoir.

The method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by data processing means connected to said flow sensor, of steps of:

1. (a) Determination of an operating speed among a first water withdrawal regime from the tank, a second tank water heating regime without withdrawal, and a third regime without racking and without data heating representative of the energy consumption of said means of heating the device, and measurements of the flow of water withdrawn;
2. (b) From an initial volume of the intermediate part and initial temperatures of the parts of the tank, determination of a final volume of the intermediate part and final temperatures of the parts of the tank, as a function of at least the determined operating mode, the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device, and the measurements of water flow withdrawn;
3. (c) from initial volumes of the lower and upper portions and said final volume of the intermediate portion, determining final volumes of the lower and upper portions;
4. (d) Estimation of said thermal quantity of the water reservoir as a function of the final temperatures and volumes of the parts of the reservoir.

• ladite grandeur thermique est choisie parmi une température moyenne de l'eau du réservoir, une température minimale de l'eau du réservoir, une température maximale de l'eau du réservoir, une quantité d'énergie stockée dans le réservoir, une quantité d'énergie encore stockable dans le réservoir, un équivalent volume d'eau disponible à une température donnée, un temps de chauffe nécessaire, et des combinaisons de ces grandeurs ;
• le procédé comprend récursivement la répétition des étapes (a) à (c) de sorte que les températures et volumes finaux des parties sont utilisés comme températures et volumes initiaux des parties à l'itération suivante ;
• le volume de la partie inférieure présente une valeur constante prédéterminée ;
• le volume de la partie supérieure est donné par la formule V3=V-V2-V1, où V est le volume total du réservoir ;
• l'étape (b) comprend, si le régime de fonctionnement déterminé est le premier régime, la détermination d'un volume d'eau soutirée en fonction des débits mesurés, ledit volume d'eau soutirée étant ajouté au volume de la partie intermédiaire, et présentant une température d'eau froide prédéterminée ;
• le volume final de la partie inférieure est égal au volume initial si le régime de fonctionnement déterminé n'est pas le premier régime ;
• l'étape (b) comprend, si le régime de fonctionnement déterminé est le deuxième régime, la détermination d'un apport thermique en fonction de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif, ledit apport thermique étant appliqué à la partie intermédiaire ;
• l'étape (b) comprend, quel que soit le régime, la détermination de pertes thermiques - pouvant être négatives dans la partie inférieure - de chaque partie (V2 et V3) en fonction d'une température ambiante prédéterminée ;
• le réservoir présente au moins une sonde de température configurée pour émettre un signal représentatif de la température d'une partie de l'eau du réservoir, l'étape (b) comprenant le contrôle des températures finales des parties en fonction dudit signal émis par la sonde ;
• l'étape (b) comprend postérieurement la détermination d'un volume final corrigé de la partie intermédiaire et d'au moins une température finale corrigée de la partie supérieure si l'écart entre les températures finales des parties inférieure et supérieure est inférieur à un seuil donné ;
• ledit volume final corrigé de la partie intermédiaire est nul, la température finale corrigée de la partie supérieure étant la moyenne pondérée des températures finales des parties intermédiaire et supérieure ;
• le procédé comprend une étape (e) de contrôle dudit dispositif de chauffage par un module de contrôle en fonction de ladite grandeur thermique déterminée ;
• l'étape (e) comprend la réception de données descriptives d'un état du réseau électrique par le module de traitement de données, la détermination d'une consigne en fonction de ladite grandeur thermique déterminée et des de données descriptives d'un état du réseau électrique, et l'émission de ladite consigne à destination du module de contrôle de sorte à modifier une capacité énergétique du réservoir d'eau.

The process according to the invention is advantageously completed by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combination:

• said thermal quantity is chosen from an average temperature of the water of the reservoir, a minimum temperature of the water of the reservoir, a maximum temperature of the water of the reservoir, an amount of energy stored in the reservoir, a quantity of energy still storable in the tank, an equivalent volume of water available at a given temperature, a necessary heating time, and combinations of these quantities;
• the method recursively comprises repeating steps (a) to (c) so that the final temperatures and volumes of the portions are used as the initial temperatures and volumes of the parts at the next iteration;
• the volume of the lower part has a predetermined constant value;
• the volume of the upper part is given by the formula V3 = V-V2-V1, where V is the total volume of the tank;
• step (b) comprises, if the determined operating speed is the first regime, the determination of a volume of water withdrawn as a function of the flow rates measured, the said volume of withdrawn water being added to the volume of the intermediate portion, and having a predetermined cold water temperature;
• the final volume of the lower part is equal to the initial volume if the determined operating regime is not the first regime;
• step (b) comprises, if the determined operating regime is the second regime, the determination of a thermal input as a function of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device, said thermal input being applied to the intermediate portion;
• step (b) comprises, regardless of the speed, the determination of thermal losses - which may be negative in the lower part - of each part (V2 and V3) as a function of a predetermined ambient temperature;
• the reservoir has at least one temperature sensor configured to emit a signal representative of the temperature of a portion of the water of the reservoir, step (b) comprising controlling the final temperatures of the parts as a function of said signal emitted by the probe;
• step (b) subsequently comprises determining a corrected final volume of the intermediate portion and at least one corrected final temperature of the upper portion if the difference between the final temperatures of the lower and upper portions is less than one given threshold;
• said corrected final volume of the intermediate part is zero, the corrected final temperature of the upper part being the weighted average of the final temperatures of the intermediate and upper parts;
• the method comprises a step (e) for controlling said heating device by a control module as a function of said determined thermal quantity;
• step (e) comprises receiving data describing a state of the electrical network by the data processing module, determining a setpoint as a function of said determined thermal quantity and descriptive data of a state of the electrical network, and the transmission of said setpoint to the control module so as to modify an energy capacity of the water tank.

• Une partie intermédiaire en échange thermique avec un dispositif de chauffage de l'eau du réservoir, le dispositif comprenant un moyen de chauffage alimenté par un réseau électrique ;
• Une partie inférieure présentant une entrée d'eau ; et
• Une partie supérieure présentant une sortie d'eau ;

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a set of estimation of a thermal quantity adapted for a water reservoir extending along a substantially vertical axis and having:

• An intermediate part in heat exchange with a device for heating the water of the tank, the device comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network;
• A lower part having a water inlet; and
• An upper part having a water outlet;

• Au moins un capteur de débit mesurant un débit d'eau soutirée au niveau de l'entrée d'eau et/ou de la sortie d'eau ;
• des moyens de traitement de données connectés audit capteur de débit, configurée pour mettre en oeuvre :
  • o un premier module de détermination d'un régime de fonctionnement parmi un premier régime de soutirage d'eau depuis le réservoir, un deuxième régime de chauffe de l'eau du réservoir sans soutirage, et un troisième régime sans soutirage et sans chauffe, en fonction de données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif, et de mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
  • o un deuxième module de détermination, à partir d'un volume initial de la partie intermédiaire et de températures initiales des parties du réservoir, d'un volume final de la partie intermédiaire et de températures finales des parties du réservoir, en fonction d'au moins le régime de fonctionnement déterminé, les données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif, et les mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
  • o Un troisième module de détermination, à partir de volumes initiaux des parties inférieure et supérieure et dudit volume final de la partie intermédiaire, de volumes finaux des parties inférieure et supérieure ;
  • o un quatrième module d'estimation de ladite grandeur thermique du réservoir d'eau en fonction des températures et volumes finaux des parties du réservoir.

The assembly being characterized in that it comprises:

• At least one flow sensor measuring a flow of water withdrawn at the water inlet and / or the water outlet;
• data processing means connected to said flow sensor, configured to implement:
  • a first module for determining an operating speed among a first rate of withdrawal of water from the tank, a second heating regime of the tank water without withdrawal, and a third regime without withdrawal and without heating, function of data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device, and measurements of the flow of water withdrawn;
  • a second module for determining, from an initial volume of the intermediate part and initial temperatures of the parts of the reservoir, a final volume of the intermediate part and final temperatures of the parts of the reservoir, according to minus the determined operating regime, the representative data the energy consumption of said means of heating the device, and the measurements of the flow of water withdrawn;
  • a third determination module, based on initial volumes of the lower and upper parts and of said final volume of the intermediate part, of final volumes of the lower and upper parts;
  • a fourth module for estimating said thermal quantity of the water reservoir as a function of the final temperatures and volumes of the parts of the reservoir.

• l'ensemble est soit adapté pour être connecté à un compteur électrique via lequel le moyen de chauffage du dispositif est alimenté par le réseau électrique, soit comprenant un élément de mesure de la consommation électrique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif.

According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features:

• the assembly is either adapted to be connected to an electric meter via which the heating means of the device is powered by the electrical network, or comprising a measuring element of the power consumption of said heating means of the device.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a water heater system comprising a water tank, a device comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network, a control module of said device, and an estimation set of a thermal quantity according to the second aspect of the invention, adapted for the tank.

According to a fourth and a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions for executing a method according to the first aspect of estimating a thermal quantity of a water tank. when said program is run on a computer; and computer-readable storage means on which a computer program product comprises code instructions for executing a method according to the first aspect of the invention for estimating a thermal quantity of a water reservoir.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

• les figures 1a-1e sont des schémas de cinq modes de réalisation préférés d'un système pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est un schéma représentant la modélisation d'un réservoir d'eau utilisée dans le procédé selon l'invention.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting, and which should be read with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figures 1a-1e are diagrams of five preferred embodiments of a system for carrying out the method according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is a diagram representing the modeling of a water tank used in the process according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General Architecture

The figure 1a represents the general architecture of an embodiment possibility of a system 1 for implementing the method according to the invention. This system is typically a water heater, in particular Joule Water Heater (CEJ), although the invention is not limited thereto. 44% of the habitats are equipped. Alternatively, the system 1 may be a thermodynamic water heater.

• un réservoir d'eau 10 (communément appelé « ballon » d'eau chaude);
• un dispositif de chauffage 11 de l'eau du réservoir 10, le dispositif 11 comprenant un moyen de chauffage alimenté par un réseau électrique 2 ;
• éventuellement une sonde de température 20 configurée pour émettre un signal représentatif de la température de l'eau du réservoir 10, mais comme l'on verra il est envisageable que le système 1 ne comprenne aucune sonde 20 ;
• de façon préférée un module de contrôle 12 dudit dispositif de chauffage 11 ;
• une entrée d'eau E et une sortie d'eau S, dont on verra les positions plus loin ;
• au moins un capteur de débit 21, 22 équipant l'entrée E et/ou la sortie S, de sorte à mesure un débit d'eau soutirée, c'est-à-dire le débit d'eau sortant du réservoir 10 pour être distribuée, par exemple via un robinet ouvert. On comprendra que le réservoir 10 est toujours plein (d'un volume total constant V, typiquement quelques dizaines de litres, en particulier 50 à 300L suivant la taille de l'habitation) et donc que toute l'eau soutirée du réservoir 10 est simultanément remplacée par de l'eau fraîche, de sorte que le débit d'entrée est égal au débit de sortie. En général, un seul débitmètre 22 placé sur la sortie S suffit.

The system 1 thus comprises:

• a water tank 10 (commonly known as a hot water "balloon");
• a heater 11 for the water of the tank 10, the device 11 comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network 2;
• optionally a temperature sensor 20 configured to emit a signal representative of the water temperature of the tank 10, but as will be seen it is conceivable that the system 1 does not include any probe 20;
• preferably a control module 12 of said heating device 11;
• a water inlet E and a water outlet S, whose positions will be seen later;
• at least one flow sensor 21, 22 equipping the inlet E and / or the outlet S, so as to measure a water flow withdrawn, that is to say the flow of water leaving the tank 10 to be distributed, for example via an open tap. It will be understood that the tank 10 is always full (of a constant total volume V, typically a few tens of liters, in particular 50 to 300 liters depending on the size of the house) and therefore that all the water withdrawn from the tank 10 is simultaneously replaced by fresh water, so that the input flow is equal to the output flow. In general, a single flow meter 22 placed on the output S is sufficient.

The electric heating means of the heating device 11 is generally a resistance, hence the heating of the water by joule effect. Alternatively, it may be for example a complete heat pump whose hot source is in heat exchange with the water of the tank 10 (and the cold source in heat exchange for example with the outside air), so to allow heating of the water with an efficiency higher than 100%. This is called a thermodynamic water heater.

Preferably, the device 11 is entirely electric (it thus includes only heating means powered by the network 2, and no gas burners for example). The heating energy supplied to the water is then entirely of electrical origin. The system is however not limited to this configuration and the device 11 may alternatively furthermore comprise an alternative (non-electric) heating means such as a burner, an exchanger with a solar collector, etc.

The network 2 is a large-scale network that connects a plurality of electrical sources. As explained above, it is at the same time of energy of non-renewable origin (nuclear and / or fossil) and of renewable origin (solar, wind, etc.). Renewable energy presents problems of variability and predictability, whereas the energy of non-renewable origin is of a better availability.

Assuming that the user of the system 1 comprises a personal source of renewable energy (for example photovoltaic roof panels), it will be understood that the network 2 encompasses both the global electricity network and the local electrical network of the home. user (in other words that the remote power plants and the local solar panels can both feed the heating device 11).

System 1 is temperature regulated. For this purpose it generally comprises, as explained, one or more temperature probes 20 and a control module 12 of the heating device 11. The probe or sensors 20 continuously or intermittently send a signal representative of the temperature of the water of the tank 10 As will be seen, the present method can optionally provide, for example, an average temperature of the water of the reservoir 10 (in other words the temperature is no longer measured but estimated), which replaces the probe or probes. 20 which are not indispensable.

The control module 12 is typically an electronic card that triggers or not the heating according to the temperature of the water and many other possible parameters (programming, season, time periods, off-peak hours / full hours, usual uses of the user, etc.).

In general, a Joule water heater most often includes two threshold temperatures (whose value may vary according to the moment and personal settings): a first threshold temperature which is the "minimum" temperature and a second threshold temperature that is the "maximum" temperature (the first threshold is below the second threshold). These two thresholds are a few degrees around (for example +/- 4 ° C) a temperature of "comfort" which is the desired average temperature set by the user (the interval 50-65 ° C is current).

The control module 12 is thus configured to activate the heating device 11 when the temperature (measured or estimated) is lower at the first predefined threshold, and / or configured to deactivate the heating device 11 when this temperature exceeds the second predefined threshold.

Thus, as the heater 11 is stopped and that is between the two thresholds nothing happens. If the temperature decreases (with time or because the user draws hot water) and passes below the first threshold, the heater 11 is activity, and until the second threshold (maximum temperature, greater than the first threshold). The temperature then goes down again, and so on. In other words there is an alternation of "cooling" phases during which the temperature drops from the second threshold to the first threshold (see above if the user continues to use hot water), and phases of "heating" during which the temperature rises under the effect of the device 11 lit from a temperature less than or equal to the first threshold to the second threshold.

As explained before, this configuration may depend on other parameters, and there may be more than two thresholds, possibly mobile, for example to optimize energy consumption during off-peak hours (water heaters are often provided for to raise the temperature of the water preferentially in the early morning, so as to maximize the use of the off-peak hours and to have hot water in quantity at the moment of showering).

In practice, the first and second thresholds are often the consequence of a hysteresis phenomenon around a median value, which defines these two thresholds. The induced difference is then about 3 ° C.

The present invention is not limited to any particular configuration.

Method for estimating a thermal quantity of the tank

The present method proposes to estimate a thermal quantity of the tank from an innovative model of the tank 10. This quantity The temperature can be of many types and can be for example selected from an average temperature of the water of the tank 10, a minimum temperature of the water of the tank 10, a maximum temperature of the water of the tank 10, an amount of energy stored in the tank 10, an amount of energy still storable in the tank 10, and combinations of these quantities (or any quantity directly derived from one of these quantities or one of their combinations).

The size can still be a hot water indicator available (or comfort indicator): for example the equivalent volume of hot water at 40 ° C (or another given temperature) available to the consumer, ie volume corresponding to the mixture water above 40 ° C in the flask mixed with cold water to obtain water at 40 ° C (alternatively, the energy contained in the hot water of the flask above 40 ° C) compared to cold mains water), and more generally any indicator of the amount of hot water available to the consumer, which can be defined using the temperature profile and values representing the consumer comfort requirements. .

The size may still be a heating time required for the heater to have an effect on the previously defined comfort indicator. This variable comes from the fact that the heating of the balloon is by the bottom of the volume of water, and affects the hot water layers of the tank located at the top of the tank 10 only belatedly.

In general, the objective is to obtain a temperature "profile", ie a spatial knowledge of the temperature within the reservoir, from which it will be possible to estimate reliably and specifies said quantities.

In fact, a point measurement of the temperature by a probe 20 is representative only of a local temperature, the actual average temperature being very different. The present method thus substantially reduces the necessary approximations in existing water heaters.

This gives a result equal or even more reliable than that which could have been obtained by multiplying the probes 20 within the reservoir 10. Thus, as will be seen below, the present method is perfectly adapted to a heater. existing water without intrusive modifications.

Tank modeling

• Une partie intermédiaire P2 en échange thermique avec le dispositif 11 de chauffage de l'eau du réservoir 10 (plus précisément, la résistance y est généralement immergée) ;
• Une partie inférieure P1 au niveau de laquelle se situe l'entrée d'eau E ; et
• Une partie supérieure P3 au niveau de laquelle se situe la sortie d'eau S.

With reference to the figure 2 , the water reservoir 10 extends along a substantially vertical longitudinal axis (the water heater balloons are generally substantially cylindrical) and has:

• An intermediate portion P2 in heat exchange with the device 11 for heating the water of the reservoir 10 (more specifically, the resistance is generally immersed therein);
• A lower part P1 at which the water inlet E is located; and
• An upper portion P3 at which the outlet water S.

Each of these parts P1, P2 and P3 is associated with a respective temperature T1, T2 and T3 and a respective volume V1, V2 and V3.

It will be understood that this is a layer stratification model of the reservoir water, the three parts defining virtual volumes.

In practice, in reality on the one hand none of the three parts has a completely homogeneous temperature and on the other hand the three parts are not waterproof and mix, but as we will show this model of laminated balloon reproduced so very realistic the thermodynamic behavior of the water and allows to obtain in a simple and fast way an excellent estimate of the aforementioned thermal quantities.

It will now be assumed that the circulation of water in the tank 10 is carried out according to a "piston" flow avoiding any mixing. Thus the volumes V1, V2 and V3 can change with respect to each other, which for effect of "moving" the layers. It will be understood that this is again a modeling that is effectively simulating reality. In other words, these values make it possible to obtain a value of the desired physical quantity which is in practice very close to reality.

Means of treatment

The present method is implemented by data processing means 30 which can take various forms. It is only important that these means 30 are on the one hand connected to the flow sensor 21, 22, and on the other hand adapted to receive data representative of an electrical consumption of the heating device 11. It will be understood that these can be the data representative of an electrical consumption of all the water heater, it is sufficient that data can recalculate the energy effectively transmitted to the water of the tank 10 during heating.

In a first embodiment according to the figure 1a , the processing means 30 are those of a dedicated module connected to the control module 12 and to an element 23 for measuring the electrical consumption of the water heater. This is for example a torus of intensity disposed around the power cable of the system 1, and preferably the device described in the application FR1550869 . It is noted that the module 30 can be connected (via network connection means such as Wi-Fi, an Ethernet link, the PLC, etc.) to a box 31 which is an internet access equipment 3 of type " box "of an Internet access provider for the provision of general data useful for the implementation of the present method which will be described later. This is typically an embodiment in which one comes to equip an existing water heater.

In a second embodiment, these means 30 are integrated in the control module 12 of the water heater. In this mode, since the device 11 is supplied with power via the module 12, its consumption is automatically available. With reference to the figure 1b , which represents a such case, it is typically a new water heater provided from the outset to implement the present method. As we see such a water heater may not include a temperature sensor 20.

In a third embodiment (represented by figure 1c ), the means 30 are those of a connected dedicated box such as an intelligent electric meter 32 (for example LINKY) via which the heating means of the device 11 is powered, and having a transmitter Télé-Information Client (TIC ) integrated or not. Such a counter 32 directly has the consumption information of the heating device 11.

In a fourth embodiment represented by the figure 1d , the means 30 are those of the box 31 for Internet access "box" type of an Internet access provider. In the example shown, the box 31 receives from the control module 12 the consumption data.

In a fifth embodiment represented by the figure 1e , the means 30 are those of a server of the Internet network 3. In other words the data (of consumption or of rate) are emitted (for example by the box 31 if it is configured to centralize them) in a request obtaining the thermal quantity.

It will be understood that the five modes represented by Figures 1a-1e are five non-limiting and combinable examples. For example, any of these examples may use a device 23 for measuring the consumption of the system 1.

Operating regime

• un premier régime de soutirage d'eau depuis le réservoir 10, en d'autres termes un régime dans lequel on prélève de l'eau dans le réservoir 10 via la sortie S (et on en remet autant via l'entrée E), et ce que le moyen de chauffe électrique soit allumé ou non ;
• un deuxième régime de chauffe de l'eau du réservoir 10 sans soutirage, c'est-à-dire un régime dans lequel il n'y a pas de soutirage d'eau (on est donc hors du premier régime) mais le moyen de chauffe électrique est allumé ; et
• un troisième régime sans soutirage et sans chauffe, i.e. le cas le plus courant où rien ne se passe dans le réservoir 10 hormis des transferts thermiques naturels.

The present method begins with a step (a) of determining a system operating regime 1. Operating regime means a behavior of the water reservoir related to the use or not of hot water. This diet is chosen from three diets:

• a first water withdrawal regime from the tank 10, in other words a regime in which water is withdrawn into the tank 10 via the outlet S (and the same is delivered via the inlet E), and whether the electric heating means is lit or not;
• a second heating regime of the water of the tank 10 without withdrawal, that is to say a regime in which there is no withdrawal of water (it is therefore out of the first regime) but the means of electric heater is on; and
• a third regime without racking and without heating, ie the most common case where nothing happens in the tank 10 except for natural heat transfers.

It will be noted that the first regime may comprise two sub-modes, depending on whether the electric heating means is on or off.

The determination of the speed is done according to the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device 11, and measurements of water flow withdrawn (via the sensor 21, 22). In particular, if the flow is non-zero it is first regime. If the flow is zero then we look at the consumption. If it is zero (or very low, i.e. only control equipment of the water heater such as the module 12 are lit), then we are in the third regime, otherwise we are in the second regime.

This step (a) is advantageously carried out at regular intervals, the idea being to determine the time intervals of each of the regimes, the idea being to consider the operation of the system 1 by fragments, or "elementary intervals", in which only one regime is implemented.

It is also possible to provide that the processing means consider that it is in the third regime, and that it implements a determination of the regime when a signal representative of a consumption and / or a non-zero flow.

Recursive calculation

The present method provides a recursive calculation scheme. Thus, from initial values of the temperatures T1 _i , T2 _i and T3 _i and volumes V1 _i , V2 _i and V3 _i , step (b) will consist in determining at least the final volume V2 _f of the intermediate part. P2 (or alternatively the final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3), the final temperature T3 _f of the upper portion P3, the final temperature T2 _f of the intermediate portion P2 and the final temperature T1 _f of the lower part P1, according the determined regime (and the consumption and / or flow data). Each of these regimes corresponds to an evolution according to a given dynamic.

Step (c) then sees the determination, from initial volumes V1 _i , V3 _i of the lower and upper parts P1, P3 and said final volume V2 _f of the intermediate part P2, of final volumes V1 _f , V3 _f of lower and upper parts P1, P3, so as to have each of the final volumes and temperatures T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f parts P1, P2, P3. As will be seen, the volume calculations of step (c) are extremely simple.

Note that if step (b) comprises determining the final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3 (instead of the final volume V2 _f of the intermediate part P2), then step (c) consists in determining, from initial volumes V1 _i , V2 _i of the lower and intermediate parts P1, P2 and said final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3, final volumes V1 _f , V2 _f of the lower and intermediate parts P1, P2. Only the first will be described, but the two solutions are rigorously equivalent because V2 and V3 are directly related, and the skilled person will know how to implement one as well as the other.

In practice the knowledge of T2 _f , T1 _f , V2 _f ensures the knowledge of T3 _f , V1 _f , V3 _f (and similarly the knowledge of T3 _f , T1 _f , V3 _f ensures the knowledge of T2 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f ). Indeed, the stratified model detailed above preferentially proposes to consider the lower part P1 as a "dead" volume, and thus take the volume V1 of this lower part P1. a predetermined constant value, for example one sixth of the total volume of the tank 10 (about 15L for a 90L tank). In other words, V1 _i = V1 _f . From here, the volume V3 of the upper part P3 is given by the formula V3 = V - V2 - V1, where V is the total volume of the reservoir (respectively, the volume V2 of the intermediate part P2 is given by the formula V2 = V - V1 - V3).

Advantageously, the method comprises the repetition of steps (a) to (c) so that the final temperatures and volumes T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f parts P1, P2, P3 are used as initial temperatures and volumes T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i , V1 _i , V2 _i , V3 _i parts P1, P2, P3 at the next iteration, and so on.

• V2_f = V2_i,
• V1_f = V1_i = V1,
• V3_f = V3_i

In the second and the third regime, no racking is applied to the balloon. It is therefore considered that the volumes V1 _i , V2 _i , V3 _i of the parts P1, P2, P3 are constant and therefore:

• V2 _f = V2 _i ,
• V1 _f = V1 _i = V1,
• V3 _f = V3 _i

• V2_f = V2_i + v,
• V1_f = V1_i = V1,
• V3_f = V3_i - v = V - V2_f - V1.

In the first regime, a withdrawal is carried out in the upper part of the water tank. Over the elementary interval considered, by integrating the flow measurements, the treatment means 30 determine the volume v of water withdrawn, and we obtain:

• V2 _f = V2 _i + v,
• V1 _f = V1 _i = V1,
• V3 _f = V3 _i - v = V - V2 _f - V1.

With regard to the temperatures T1, T2 and T3, the means 30 calculate their evolutions as a function of the injection of the volume v of cold water at a temperature Te, static losses (exchange with the environment medium at a temperature Ta, possibly depending on geometrical data such as the section and the height of the tank) and the power injection via the heating means.

The cold water temperature Te and the ambient temperature Ta (that of the heated or non-heated room in which the tank is installed) can be measured, estimated from predefined weather data (historical or real-time) (from numerical simulations). ) or fixed. They can be received via the Internet 3.

In the third regime, the temperature profile changes according to the thermal losses that naturally apply to the tank.

In the second regime, it is considered the case where no withdrawal is performed but the tank is heated via the means located in the intermediate portion P2. The injection of the thermal power is modeled corresponding to the power consumption of the device 11 and its efficiency, and the transfer between parts P2 and P3 if mixed.

In the first regime, a withdrawal is applied to the tank 10, which is optionally added a heater. The volume v of cold water at the temperature Te is added to the intermediate part P2.

These physical models allow the means 30 to determine the final values T2 _f , T3 _f of the temperatures (T1 _f = T1 _i = Te in this regime).

The tank 10 may have at least one temperature sensor 20 configured to emit a signal representative of the temperature of a portion P1, P2, P3 of the water of the tank 10 (typical case of a modified water heater). Step (b) then preferably comprises a control of the final temperatures T2 _f , T3 _f parts P2, P3 as a function of said signal emitted by the probe 20. More particularly, the means 30 verify the compliance of the temperatures T2 _f , T3 _f determined with respect to the temperature or temperatures measured. If there is too much difference (it is normal for there to be a difference because the layer model is theoretical), the determined values T2 _f , T3 _f are modified and the model is adapted. In a particularly preferred manner, the means 30 implement learning from said temperature measurements so as to improve the quality of the model.

Moreover, it is noted that over time, V2 is only increasing and V3 is only decreasing. In addition, P2 and P3 are definition of the parts "cold" and "hot", respectively, whose temperatures converge inexorably: the temperature T2 of P2 increases thanks to the injected power, and the temperature T3 of P3 decreases with the static losses.

Thus, step (b) advantageously comprises the "melting" of the lower and upper parts P2, P3 when their temperature difference (ie the difference between T2 _f and T3 _f after their calculation) is less than a predefined threshold, for example. Example 5 ° K. This also impacts step (c).

Specifically, the two parts P2, P3 mix to form a single homogeneous temperature volume. In other words, P2 is "empty" in P3, and V2 and V3 can again respectively decrease and grow. Values are thus obtained "corrected" _f T1 ', T2 _f', T3 _f ', _f V1', V2 _f ', V3 _f' temperatures and final volumes of the parts P1, P2, P3.

• V2_f' = 0,
• V1_f' = V1_f = V1,
• V3_f'=V3_f + V2_f = V- V1.
• T2_f' = Te (cela étant virtuel puisque le volume associé est nul, mais cela correspond à la température du volume v qui viendra rempli la partie inférieure P2 au prochain soutirage),
• T3_f' = (T3_f * V3_f + T2_f * V2_f ) / (V3_f + V2_f) = (T3_f * V3_f + T2_f * V2_f) / (V-V1) (en d'autres termes la température moyenne des parties P2, P3 fusionnées).

We obtain as follows:

• V2 _f ' = 0 ,
• V1 _f ' = V1 _f = V1 ,
• V3 _f = V3 _f + V2 _f = V-V1.
• T2 _f '= Te (this being virtual since the associated volume is zero, but this corresponds to the temperature of the volume v which will fill the lower part P2 at the next racking),
• T3 _f '= (T3 _f * V3 _f + T2 _f * V2 _f ) / (V3 _f + V2 _f ) = (T3 _f * V3 _f + T2 _f * V2 _f ) / (V-V1) (in others terms the average temperature of the parts P2, P3 merged).

In case of heating and as long as V2 = 0, the thermal contribution increases the temperature T3 of the higher volume V3.

Note that this merger is also implemented if V3 reaches 0, in other words if the user has "emptied" all the hot water before the rise in temperature is effective. The merge then corresponds to a replacement of P3 by P2.

As explained before, it will be understood that any "merger" of parts P2, P3 is purely theoretical and does not correspond to any real physical phenomenon then taking place in the tank 10 (in particular, there is no massive water transfer from the lower part P2 to the upper part P3), but that it effectively simulates the reality and allows to provide values of temperatures and volumes from which the magnitude thermal research can be calculated realistically.

Calculation of the thermal quantity and use

In a step (d) (which takes place either at each cycle, or at the request of the user or an application interested in this physical quantity), the means 30 estimate said thermal magnitude of the water reservoir 10 according to the temperatures and final volumes _f T1, _f T2, _f T3, _f V1, V2 _{f, f} V3 portions P1, P2, P3 of the reservoir 10.

For example, if the thermal quantity is the total energy, it is proportional to T3 _f * V3 _f + T2 _f * V2 _f + T1 _f , * V1 _f

Those skilled in the art will be able to calculate the value of the thermal quantity of their choice from the temperature profile obtained.

The estimated value can be just transmitted to the user (for example displayed on interface means) or stored (for example sent via network 3 for statistics), but also used in the operation of the water heater.

In particular, it advantageously comprises a step (e) of controlling said heating device 11 by the control module 12 as a function of said determined thermal quantity. It can be a simple control to obtain a temperature of comfort, in particular in a water heater of the type of that of the figure 1 b. The thermal value can indeed replace any measurement of temperature while allowing a precise control.

Preferably, step (e) comprises the reception of descriptive data of a state of the electrical network 2 by the data processing module 30, the determination of a setpoint according to said magnitude. determined thermal and descriptive data of a state of the electrical network 2, and the issuance of said setpoint to the control module 12 so as to modify an energy capacity of the water tank 10. The idea is to alter the normal regulation of the temperature of the tank 10 and cause overheating / underheating. This is particularly easy to manage if the estimated thermal magnitude is a quantity of energy stored by the tank 10 or a quantity which results, for example the remaining energy capacity of the tank 10, ie the amount of energy still storable.

The present method thus proposes using the installed water heaters to manage the electricity production of renewable origin, easily and efficiently: the issuing of adapted instructions makes it possible to increase or decrease on demand the consumption of these products. water heater and play on stored energy as hot water. The energy capacity becomes flexible. Several TWh are thus available on the French territory for example.

This makes it possible, for example, to favor electrical consumption as long as photovoltaic power is widely available, and to limit the power consumption or fall back on other energy (for example via alternative heating means such as burners if the device 11 includes them). .

The obtaining of the setpoint is carried out according to descriptive data of a state of said electricity grid 2. These data generally indicate all the information on the load of the network 2, the energy rate of renewable origin, the forecasts variation of this rate, of production / consumption in general, etc.

These data can be generic data obtained locally, for example of meteorological origin, which can indicate to what extent the means of production of renewable energy will be productive, but preferably it is more complex data. provided from the internet network 3 via the box 31, in particular in real time.

In one embodiment comprising an intelligent electric meter 32 (for example LINKY) having a Transmitter Client Information (TIC) integrated or not, the data used may in particular be the fields of ICT such as for example: the binary status of one or more virtual contacts, the tariff index of the current supplier and / or distributor grid, the price of electricity, the mobile peak notice and / or one or more points (s) mobile (s), etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the means 30 determine a power setpoint (that is to say an effective power target value) as a function of the descriptive data of the state of the network 2. The control module 12 then regulates the device 11 for heating power.

A first and / or a second type of operation can be implemented.

The first is the "boost mode" (in other words "forced run") used to increase the consumption of the water heater and thus the amount of energy stored. In this mode, the means 30 are configured to transmit a power increase setpoint (in other words a power setpoint increasing the consumption of the heating means of the device 11) when the descriptive data of a state of said power grid 2 are characteristics of a current glut and / or future energy deficit of renewable origin within the electricity grid 2 (in other words, if the production of renewable origin is decreasing in the short term) , so as to increase the energy capacity of the water tank 10.

This supercharging mode is interesting either to absorb a strong photovoltaic production, or to prevent a low production. Thanks to the supercharging, the effect of the device 10 is amplified. This increases the immediate consumption, but delays the consumption to come (since more energy is stored, the next crossing of the first temperature threshold is delayed).

The value of the power setpoint may be such as to consume as much as possible of the surplus energy of renewable origin without affecting the energy of non-renewable origin. The value can also be a fixed value, or the current consumption value plus a predetermined deviation (eg + 500W).

It should be noted that this supercharging mode may be supplemented with certain options: if the data triggering supercharging is provided by a counter equipped with an ICT module, the latter may temporarily increase, at the same time as the activation of the water heater, the value cutting power to avoid any risk of tripping in the absence of a load shedder or energy manager. In addition, if the water heating system is slaved to the tariff signal via a dry contact or virtual contact, the latter must be controlled so as to allow the power supply of this system outside the normal ranges allowed if necessary. In addition, if the draw points of domestic hot water (shower, faucets, etc.) downstream are not all equipped with mixing valve, the addition of a mixing valve at the outlet of the tank 10 makes it possible to avoid risk of burns due to the supply of hot water.

The second mode is the "under-power" mode (in other words "reduced run") used to decrease the consumption of the water heater and thus the amount of energy stored. In this mode, the means 30 are configured to emit a power reduction setpoint (in other words a power setpoint decreasing the consumption of the heating means of the device 11), when the data describing a state of said power grid 2 are characteristic of a current and / or future glut of renewable energy within the electricity grid 2 (in other words, if the renewable generation is up short term), so as to reduce the energy capacity of the water reservoir 10.

This can be very useful in anticipation of a peak in renewable energy production or peak consumption. This avoids the consumption of fossil energy while we know that renewable energy will soon be too abundant. This voluntary decline in consumption is called erasure.

The power drop instruction can be calculated so as to minimize energy consumption of non-renewable origin. The idea is not to (or as little as possible) extract non-renewable energy from grid 2. It can also be a fixed value, or the current value of consumption minus a predetermined difference (for example -500W ).

It should be noted that the two modes (reduced walking and forced walking) can coexist and be implemented in turn. In either case, the application of the power setpoint can be preceded and / or followed by a ramp to avoid a rebound effect, in other words the power setpoint is gradually increased / decreased ( for example linearly over an interval of 30 minutes), instead of switching immediately.

Moreover, the activation of one or other of the modes, the choice of a fixed or variable power set point, the temperature thresholds, etc., can be controlled by the user via a suitable interface.

It should also be noted that the power regulation can not be done to the detriment of user comfort, and for each of the modes, the control module 12 can be configured to ignore the power setpoint when the estimated thermal magnitude is representative of a potential degradation of the comfort of the user.

It should be noted that the means 30 can implement a decoy element role as described in the application FR1363229 .

Modification of an existing water heater

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a set of estimation of a thermal quantity adapted for a water tank 10 of an existing water heater.

• au moins un capteur de débit 21, 22 mesurant un débit d'eau soutirée au niveau de l'entrée d'eau E et/ou de la sortie d'eau S ;
• des moyens de traitement de données 30 connectés audit capteur de débit 21, 22 ;
• le cas échéant un élément 23 de mesure de la consommation électrique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif 11, également connecté aux moyens 30 (alternativement ils sont connectés au compteur électrique 32).

The set includes:

• at least one flow sensor 21, 22 measuring a flow of water withdrawn at the water inlet E and / or the water outlet S;
• data processing means 30 connected to said flow sensor 21, 22;
• if necessary an element 23 for measuring the power consumption of said heating means of the device 11, also connected to the means 30 (alternatively they are connected to the electric meter 32).

As explained, each of these elements can fit on an existing water heater without substantial modifications, and keeping the temperature sensor. In the case where it is desired to implement step (e), it is sufficient to connect the processing means 30 to the control module 12, for example via an Ethernet cable.

• o un premier module de détermination d'un régime de fonctionnement parmi un premier régime de soutirage d'eau depuis le réservoir 10, un deuxième régime de chauffe de l'eau du réservoir 10 sans soutirage, et un troisième régime sans soutirage et sans chauffe, en fonction de données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif 11, et de mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
• o un deuxième module de détermination, à partir d'un volume initial V2_i de la partie intermédiaire P2 et de températures initiales T1_i, T2_i, T3_i des parties P1, P2, P3 du réservoir 10, d'un volume final V2_f de la partie intermédiaire P2 et de températures finales T1_f, T2_f, T3_f des parties P1, P2, P3 du réservoir 10, en fonction d'au moins le régime de fonctionnement déterminé, les données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif 11, et les mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
• o Un troisième module de détermination, à partir de volumes initiaux V1_i, V3_i des parties inférieure et supérieure P1, P3 et dudit volume final V2_f de la partie intermédiaire P2, de volumes finaux V1_f, V3_f des parties inférieure et supérieure P1, P3 ;
• o un quatrième module d'estimation de ladite grandeur thermique du réservoir d'eau 10 en fonction des températures et volumes finaux T1_f, T2_f, T3_f, V1_f, V2_f, V3_f des parties P1, P2, P3 du réservoir 10.

The data processing means 30 must be configured to implement:

• o a first module for determining an operating speed among a first rate of withdrawal of water from the tank 10, a second heating regime of the water tank 10 without racking, and a third regime without racking and without heating , according to data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device 11, and measurements of the flow of water withdrawn;
• a second determination module, starting from an initial volume V2 _i of the intermediate part P2 and initial temperatures T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i of the parts P1, P2, P3 the reservoir 10, to a final volume V2 _f of the intermediate portion P2 and final temperatures T1 _{f, f} T2, _f T3 portions P1, P2, P3 of the reservoir 10, using at least the determined operating mode , the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device 11, and the measurements of the flow of water withdrawn;
• o A third determination module, from initial volumes V1 _i , V3 _i of the lower and upper parts P1, P3 and said final volume V2 _f of the intermediate portion P2, of final volumes V1 _f , V3 _f of the lower and upper parts P1, P3;
• o a fourth module for estimating said heat quantity of the water tank 10 according to the temperatures and final volumes _f T1, _f T2, _f T3, _f V1, V2 _{f, f} V3 portions P1, P2, P3 of the reservoir 10.

• o le deuxième module est un module de détermination, à partir d'un volume initial V3_i de la partie supérieure P3 et de températures initiales (T1_i, T2_i, T3_i) des parties inférieure, intermédiaire et supérieure (P1, P2, P3) du réservoir 10, d'un volume final V3_f de la partie supérieure P3 et de températures finales T1_f, T2_f, T3_f des parties inférieure, intermédiaire et supérieure P1, P2, P3 du réservoir 10, en fonction d'au moins le régime de fonctionnement déterminé, les données représentatives de la consommation énergétique dudit moyen de chauffage du dispositif 11, et les mesures de débit d'eau soutirée ;
• o et le troisième module est un module de détermination, à partir de volumes initiaux V1_i, V2_i des parties inférieure et intermédiaire P1, P2 et dudit volume final V3_f de la partie supérieure P3, de volumes finaux V1_f, V2_f des parties inférieure et intermédiaire P1, P2)

Note that the second and third modules can be configured to first determine the final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3, then the final volume V2 _f of the intermediate part P2, as explained before (in other words:

• the second module is a determination module, starting from an initial volume V3 _i of the upper part P3 and initial temperatures (T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2, P3) the reservoir 10, to a final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3 and final temperatures T1 _{f, f} T2, _f T3 of the lower portions, intermediate and upper P1, P2, P3 of the tank 10, on the basis of at least the determined operating regime, the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device 11, and the measurements of the water flow rate withdrawn;
• o and the third module is a determination module, from initial volumes V1 _i , V2 _i of the lower and intermediate parts P1, P2 and said final volume V3 _f of the upper part P3, final volumes V1 _f , V2 _f of lower and intermediate parts P1, P2)

The invention also relates to the system 1 of "modified" water heater, that is to say comprising a water tank 10, a device 11 comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network 2, a control module 12 of said device 11, and a set of estimation of a thermal quantity according to the second aspect of the invention, adapted for the tank 10.

The invention also relates to the "new" water heater system 1, that is to say comprising a water tank 10, a device 11 comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network 2 and a control module 12 of said device 11, the control module 12 comprising data processing means 30 configured to implement the method for estimating a thermal quantity according to the first aspect of the invention.

Computer program product

According to other aspects, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions for the execution (on data processing means 30) of a method according to the first aspect of the estimation invention. a thermal quantity of a water tank 10, as well as storage means readable by a computer equipment (for example a memory of the control module 12 if it contains the means 30) on which we find this product computer program.

Claims (15)

A method of estimating a thermal magnitude of a water tank (10), the water tank (10) extending in a substantially vertical axis and having: - An intermediate portion (P2) in heat exchange with a device (11) for heating the water tank (10), the device (11) comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network (2); - A lower part (P1) having a water inlet (E); and - an upper part (P3) having a water outlet (S); The water inlet (E) and / or the water outlet (S) being equipped with a flow sensor (21, 22) measuring a water flow drawn off;
The method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by data processing means (30) connected to said flow sensor (21, 22), of steps of: (a) Determining an operating regime among a first water withdrawal regime from the tank (10), a second tank water heating regime (10) without racking, and a third rack without racking and without heating according to data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and measurements of water flow withdrawn; (b) From an initial volume (V2 _i ) of the intermediate part (P2) and initial temperatures (T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10), determination of a final volume (V2 _f ) of the intermediate part (P2) and final temperatures (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2, P3) the reservoir (10), as a function of at least the determined operating speed, the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and the measurements of the water flow withdrawn; (c) From initial volumes (V1 _i , V3 _i ) of the lower and upper parts (P1, P3) and of said final volume (V2 _f ) of the intermediate part (P2), determination of final volumes (V1 _f , V3 _f ) lower and upper parts (P1, P3); (d) Estimation of said thermal quantity of the water reservoir (10) as a function of the final temperatures and volumes (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts ( P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10). A method of estimating a thermal magnitude of a water tank (10), the water tank (10) extending in a substantially vertical axis and having: - An intermediate portion (P2) in heat exchange with a device (11) for heating the water tank (10), the device (11) comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network (2); - A lower part (P1) having a water inlet (E); and - an upper part (P3) having a water outlet (S); The water inlet (E) and / or the water outlet (S) being equipped with a flow sensor (21, 22) measuring a water flow drawn off;
The method being characterized in that it comprises the implementation by data processing means (30) connected to said flow sensor (21, 22), of steps of: (a) Determining an operating regime among a first water withdrawal regime from the tank (10), a second tank water heating regime (10) without racking, and a third rack without racking and without heating according to data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and measurements of water flow withdrawn; (b) From an initial volume (V3 _i ) of the upper part (P3) and initial temperatures (T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i ) of the lower parts, intermediate and upper (P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10), determining a final volume (V3 _f ) of the upper part (P3) and final temperatures (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f ) of the lower parts , intermediate and upper (P1, P2, P3) of the reservoir (10), according to at least the determined operating speed, the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and the measurements of water flow withdrawn; (c) From initial volumes (V1 _i , V2 _i ) of the lower and intermediate parts (P1, P2) and said final volume (V3 _f ) of the upper part (P3), determination of final volumes (V1 _f , V2 _f ) lower and intermediate parts (P1, P2); (d) Estimation of said thermal quantity of the water reservoir (10) as a function of the final temperatures and volumes (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts ( P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10). Method according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said thermal quantity is selected from an average temperature of the water of the tank (10), a minimum temperature of the water of the tank (10), a maximum temperature of l of the reservoir (10), a quantity of energy stored in the reservoir (10), a quantity of energy that can still be stored in the reservoir (10), an equivalent volume of water available at a given temperature, a reaction time of necessary heating, and combinations of these quantities. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, recursively comprising the repetition of steps (a) to (c) so that the final temperatures and volumes (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f ) lower, middle and upper parts (P1, P2, P3) are used as the initial temperatures and volumes (T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i , V1 _i , V2 _i , V3 _i ) of the lower, middle and upper parts (P1 , P2, P3) at the next iteration. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the volume (V1) of the lower part (P1) has a predetermined constant value. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the volume (V3) of the upper part (P3) is connected volume (V2) of the intermediate part (P2) by the formula V3 = V-V2-V1, where V is the total volume of the tank (10). Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein step (b) comprises, if the determined operating speed is the first regime, the determination of a volume of water withdrawn as a function of the flow rates measured, said volume withdrawn water being added to the volume (V2) of the intermediate portion (P2) or removed to the volume (V3) of the upper portion (P3), and having a predetermined cold water temperature (Te). Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the final volume (V2 _f ) of the intermediate part (P2) is equal to the initial volume (V2 _i ) or the final volume (V3 _f ) of the upper part (P3 ) is equal to the initial volume (V3 _i ), if the determined operating regime is not the first regime. A method according to claim 8, wherein step (b) comprises, if the determined operating speed is the second speed, determining a heat input as a function of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), said thermal input being applied to the intermediate portion (P2). Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein step (b) comprises, if the determined operating speed is the third regime, the determination of thermal losses of each of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2 , P3) as a function of a predetermined ambient temperature (Ta). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which step (b) subsequently comprises determining a corrected final volume (V2 _f ', V3 _f ') of the intermediate or upper part (P2, P3) and at least one corrected final temperature (T3 _f ') of the upper part (P3) if the difference between the final temperatures (T2 _f , T3 _f ) of the intermediate and upper parts (P2, P3) is less than a threshold given. Estimation set of a thermal quantity adapted for a water tank (10) extending along a substantially vertical axis and having: - An intermediate portion (P2) in heat exchange with a device (11) for heating the water tank (10), the device (11) comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network (2); - A lower part (P1) having a water inlet (E); and - an upper part (P3) having a water outlet (S); The assembly being characterized in that it comprises: - At least one flow sensor (21, 22) measuring a water flow withdrawn at the water inlet (E) and / or the water outlet (S); - data processing means (30) connected to said flow sensor (21, 22), configured to implement: a first module for determining an operating speed among a first water withdrawal regime from the tank (10), a second tank water heating regime (10) without withdrawal, and a third regime without withdrawal and without heating, according to data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and measurements of the water flow withdrawn; o a second determination module, from an initial volume (V2 _i ) of the intermediate part (P2) and initial temperatures (T1 _i , T2 _i , T3 _i ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2); , P3) of the reservoir (10), a final volume (V2 _f ) of the intermediate part (P2) and final temperatures (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f ) of the lower, intermediate and upper parts (P1, P2 , P3) of the reservoir (10), as a function of at least the determined operating speed, the data representative of the energy consumption of said heating means of the device (11), and the measurements of the water flow withdrawn; o A third determination module, from initial volumes (V1 _i , V3 _i ) of the lower and upper parts (P1, P3) and of said final volume (V2 _f ) of the intermediate part (P2), of final volumes (V1 _f , V3 _f ) lower and upper parts (P1, P3); a fourth module for estimating said thermal quantity of the water tank (10) as a function of the final temperatures and volumes (T1 _f , T2 _f , T3 _f , V1 _f , V2 _f , V3 _f ) of the lower, intermediate parts; and upper (P1, P2, P3) of the tank (10). System (1) for water heater comprising a water tank (10), a device (11) comprising a heating means powered by an electrical network (2), a control module (12) of said device (11), and a set of estimation of a thermal quantity according to claim 12, adapted for the tank (10). Computer program product comprising code instructions for executing a method according to one of claims 1 to 11 estimating a thermal magnitude of a water tank (10), when said program is run on a computer. Storage medium readable by a computer equipment on which a computer program product comprises code instructions for the execution of a method according to one of claims 1 to 11 for estimating a thermal quantity of a reservoir of water (10).

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