FR3063800A3 - PERFECTIONAL HYDRAULIC SATELLITE GROUP - Google Patents

Abstract

Satellite group or heating interface unit for central heating or for a type of heating comprising a first discharge duct (4) connected to a heating installation of an environment, a first return duct (6) of said installation a second discharge duct (5) connected to a sanitary water installation, a second return duct (7) of said sanitary water installation, said first discharge duct (4) being directly connected to a duct, (8) supplying hot water from a remote system for producing hot water, remote from said environment, said return duct (7) being connected to a duct (9) for returning the water to said heating system. remote hot water production; an electronic control unit (30) connected to the components (27; 19; 25; 21; 22) of said satellite group being provided for modulating the temperature of the water input to said satellite group to obtain an appropriate temperature of the water in the heating system or sanitary water.

Description

The invention relates to a satellite group for central heating or for the remote heating.

The satellite groups or interface units for the hydraulic type heating are known for environment heating installations or for the production of sanitary water in which the production of the heating fluid (water) is at a distance from the heated environment or where hot water is used. This procedure, also known as "warm-up", provides that the production of the heating medium takes place remotely by means of different techniques, such as, for example, the recovery of heat from waste disposal facilities, through proper heating of the water in decentralized tanks compared to environments where this hot water is used or the like.

The satellite groups or heating interface units are usually located in an environment that is to be heated by remotely produced hot water (by means of conventional heating elements) or in which hot water for use domestic must be distributed. Typically, these systems include a structure containing functional elements capable of allowing the flow of water that originates, heated, from a remote location in pipes or ad hoc conduits that connect this interface unit to conventional heating elements or faucets from which it is possible to extract hot water for sanitary purposes.

Such a heating interface unit provides one or both of the following services: sending hot water for heating on demand or producing hot water for instant domestic use. This is usually done through a corresponding heat exchanger which is provided with the interface unit, said exchanger being hydraulically connected to a distribution network that comes from the remote area where the hot water is produced.

The satellite group or heat interface unit is a hydraulic device that, depending on the configuration and the services it provides, has a variable number of connections to clean water systems in the environment where it is located. installed. Generally, all the components of the interface unit or the satellite group (or even simply "satellite"), are made and arranged in a single body, so that the interface unit is provided in the installation phase in the form of a single component.

However, various embodiments of such a group or unit are known: in one configuration, a single heat exchanger is provided at the part of the satellite connected to the circuit or ducts of the sanitary water of the environment, while that the hot water that comes from a remote place is directly supplied to the heating elements of this environment. In another embodiment, a heat exchanger is provided which connects the circuit portion of the satellite unit or group to the heating elements.

More particularly, the known hydraulic installations of the type mentioned above, comprise various components such as flow regulators and electrically actuated valves. There are also connections with thermostats located in the environment and can operate these organs in electrical mode. These installations or satellites are made by inserting, in a box structure, pipes which make it possible to receive the remotely heated fluid and to send it back to the remote installation which produces this heating fluid, a pump, one or more safety valves. and the control components needed to send water to the heating elements or faucets in the environment. These components are assembled in the box structure as needed. The object of the present invention is to provide a satellite group or a heating interface unit that is able to offer a fast response to the demand for hot water for heating or hot water for use in as sanitary water.

Another objective is to provide a satellite group or a heating interface unit that allows the temperature of the heating water to be kept at such a value that it can satisfy the demands by usual temperature control systems present. in the environment where said heating elements are located.

Another objective is to provide a satellite group or an entire heating interface unit that can be controlled remotely by specific commands transmitted by a user so as to obtain the environmental heating characteristics desired by the latter.

These objectives, as well as other objects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved by a satellite group or a heating interface unit according to the appended claims.

For a better understanding of the present invention, we refer, purely by way of indication, but without limitation, to the following figures, in which: FIG. 1 shows a hydraulic configuration of a first embodiment of a satellite group according to FIG. invention; FIG. 2 shows a hydraulic configuration of a second embodiment of the satellite group according to the invention; and FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic configuration of a third embodiment of the satellite group according to the invention.

Referring to the figures cited, and particularly to Figure 1, it shows a satellite group or a heating interface unit 1, said unit or said satellite group being shown schematically with reference only to its internal hydraulic components. The satellite group 1 is connected to heating elements 2 and valves 3 for domestic hot water of an environment through pipes 4 and 5, discharge and through pipes 6 and 7, back. A discharge pipe 8 of the hot water produced remotely (in a manner known per se) reaches the satellite group 1 and from this satellite group 1 spring a pipe 9 which brings the water to a lower temperature compared to that of input to the remote position where this fluid will be heated again. These pipes 8 and 9 are connected to inlet and outlet ducts 11 of the satellite group 1.

The satellite group 1 is connected to the delivery pipe 8 and the return pipe 9 in a manner known per se.

More particularly, the satellite group 1 comprises, internally, arranged on the pipe 4, a heat exchanger 12 and a temperature sensor of the hot water stream 13. As an option, it is also possible to provide a safety thermostat 14 adapted to raise the temperature of the hot water present in the pipe 4 and directed towards the heating elements 2. The pipe 6 on which is located a pump 18; part of the heating elements 2; this pipe passes through the heat exchanger 12 before leaving the satellite group 1; on the duct 5 is a valve 19 dedicated to controlling the flow downstream of the heat exchanger, and a temperature sensor 27 (located on the duct 11).

It should be noted that the safety thermostat 14 is connected to the valve 19 and the temperature sensor 27. Thus, this thermostat is able to interrupt the return of the fluid after it has been used to heat the environment mentioned. above if security reasons require this interruption. All this in a manner known per se.

Meanwhile, the pipe 5 is detached from the pipe or pipe 4 before this pipe 4 enters the heat exchanger 12; said pipe 5 passes through a heat exchanger 20 before reaching the valves 3. A hot water temperature sensor 21 is connected to the pipe 5.

The pipe 7 on which is provided a flow switch or flowmeter 22 away from the valves 3, as has been said. The pipe 7 passes through the exchanger 20 and downstream thereof, on the conduit 11 is a valve 25 dedicated to controlling the flow of water downstream of the heat exchanger and directed towards the pipe 9 .

The satellite group or interface unit 1 comprises, innovatively, an electronic controller or a control unit, preferably a microprocessor, 30; this unit is connected to the different electrical components of said group 1. In particular, the control unit 30 is connected to the temperature sensor 13, to a pressure sensor 15 present on the pipe 4 downstream of the probe 13, at the pump 18, to the temperature probe 21 of the hot water flowing in the pipe 5, to the valve 19 located on the pipe 11 and to the valve 25 dedicated to controlling the flow of fluid downstream of the exchanger 20. The unit Control 30 controls both the function of heating the environment and the function of the production of hot water for instant sanitary use. And this, through the input signals collected by the components connected to it.

In addition to the components mentioned above, the microprocessor unit 30 is also connected to a usual thermostat 37, able to control the temperature of the environment to be heated; said thermostat could be external or part of the devices could be present inside the satellite group or the interface unit 1. The control unit 30 acts on the modulation valves 19 and 25 to control the flow rate primary powering the interface unit or the satellite group. This flow control can be carried out separately, through the valve 25 and through the valve 19. Alternatively, the flow control that feeds the interface unit or satellite group 1 can be obtained by modulating a single valve located on the input side of this group which controls the flow to the entire interface unit by adding a bypass valve which divides the flow of the fluid to one of the two heat exchangers 12 and 20. These latter valves do not are not shown in the figure, but are known per se both as features and as use in an interface unit as that object of the present invention.

When the ambient thermostat 37 requires heating, the control unit 30 present in the interface unit 1 activates the pump 18 and partially opens the modulation valve 19 in order to obtain a desired fluid temperature, measured by the probe 13, in order to satisfy the demand of the thermostat 37. The control unit 30 controls, after the activation of said components 18 and 19, the state of the temperature read by the thermostat 37 and the pressure read by the sensor 15. If one of these components detects a problem, the pump 18 is turned off and the modulating valve 19 is closed.

Similarly, when there is a demand for hot water from a user present in the environment where the satellite group 1 is located, that is to say when the fluxmeter or flow switch 22 raises a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap), the control unit 30 of the satellite group partially opens the modulating valve 25 in order to obtain the desired water temperature, measured by the temperature sensor. temperature 21.

We now refer to Figure 2. It presents parts corresponding to those already described in claim 1, indicated with the same reference numerals.

In the schematic configuration shown in FIG. 2, the heating of the environment is provided without there being any heat exchanger between the circuit or the inlet pipe of the hot water 8 and the pipe 4 of the group satellite or interface unit 1. There is thus a direct hydraulic connection between the remotely produced hot water distribution network and the environmental heating system through the satellite group or the interface unit 1.

In the case of FIG. 2, when the thermostat 37 requires the activation of the heating elements 2, the control unit 30 present in the satellite group or the interface unit 1 activates the pump 8. Therefore, it acts on a mixing valve 40 provided on the return pipe 6 downstream of the pump 8 (with reference to the direction of flow of the fluid in the pipe or pipe 6). And this, in order to obtain a desired flow temperature, measured by the temperature sensor 13. The control unit 30, when these components are operational, controls the state of the safety thermostat 14. If this thermostat detects a problem, the pump 8 is deactivated and the mixing valve 40 is closed. It is also possible to provide another safety valve to stop the flow of water from a remote location to the heating elements when the safety thermostat 14 detects a problem (usually when the water temperature is higher). at its predefined reference point).

Similarly, when there is a demand for hot water from a user present in the environment where the satellite group 1 is located and that is when the flowmeter or flow switch 22 detects a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap), the control unit 30 inserted inside the interface 1 partially opens the modulating valve 25 in order to obtain the desired flow temperature, measured by the temperature probe 21.

Figure 3 shows a third variant of the invention. This figure shows parts corresponding to those of the figures already described and indicated with the same reference numerals.

In the examined configuration, the heating of the environment is provided without there being any heat exchanger between the hot water pipe 8 entering the group 1 and the heating circuit or the heating elements 2, with a direct connection between the water distribution network from a remote location and the system for heating the environment.

In this case also, when the ambient thermostat 37 requires heat, the controller or the control unit 30 located in the interface unit or in the satellite group 1 acts on the modulation valve 19 in order to open up to a certain point, determined by algorithms present inside the control unit 30. These algorithms correspond to the amount of hot water that must be supplied to the heating installation in order to be able to obtain particular temperatures established. The correlation between the water flow rate and the temperatures is recorded in a memory (not shown) of the control unit 30.

Similarly, when there is a demand for hot water from a user present in the environment where the satellite group 1 is located and that is when the flowmeter or flow switch 22 detects a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap 3), the controller or the control unit 30 partially opens the modulating valve 25 in order to obtain the desired flow temperature, as measured by the temperature sensor 21 .

In the case of the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, when a specific control function is activated, the control unit 30 calculates the temperatures that the circulating flow in the heating circuit and in the domestic hot water circuit. must reach, depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 27 located on the return duct 6.

In the case of the configuration of FIG. 3, the control unit 30 calculates the position of the modulation valve 19 according to the temperature read by the temperature sensor 27 situated on the duct 6, when the heating interface unit provides environmental heating. When the interface unit operates to supply domestic hot water, the control unit 30 calculates a final temperature for the domestic hot water according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 27 still located on the duct. back 6.

In all configurations, it is possible to set a maximum opening for each flap present. In addition, in all configurations, when the control function is active, the heating interface unit or satellite group 1 provides a "temperature maintenance" function, in order to maintain the heat exchanger 20 dedicated to the production of domestic hot water at a temperature compatible with a fast response time, when hot water is required after a period of waiting time or stand-by. The temperature maintenance cycle begins when the control unit 30 partially opens the modulating valve 25 and when the temperature read by the temperature sensor 21 falls below a given threshold. The temperature holding cycle stops when the temperature read by the temperature sensor 27 reaches or exceeds a given preset value.

The hold function can be turned off, turned on twenty-four hours a day, or enabled only during the pre-defined hours of the day. The control unit 30 of the satellite group may be provided with an auxiliary contact, in order to be able to program it. The heating interface unit or satellite group 1 may be provided with a control unit that can be connected to external devices via wired or radio connections. Through this connectivity, the interface unit or satellite group can be controlled and adjusted remotely so that at least all the adjustments that can be made using the interface in acting directly on it, can also be performed remotely.

Finally, by means of specific commands for the users, transmitted to the control unit of the interface unit or satellite group 1, it is possible to modify the behavior of the interface unit and to cancel a input signal received by the interface unit of one of the components associated therewith.

The present invention therefore relates to an interface unit or satellite group with (e) a programmable control unit and can be controlled, able to intervene to be able to modulate the temperature of the flow of water both inside the circuit heating only inside the sanitary water circuit of an environment. And this, in order to limit the temperature of the water or fluid input to the inside of the interface unit or satellite group and the water that emerges from this unit or satellite group to return in a remote station where the water will be heated again. The invention makes it possible to identify temperature limits beyond which the control unit intervenes for security purposes. Thanks to the invention, it is furthermore also possible to provide a function for maintaining the temperature of the water for sanitary use, which makes it possible to maintain this temperature at a predefined value.

Claims (11)

1. Satellite group or heating interface unit for central heating or for a type of heating comprising a first discharge duct (4) connected to a heating installation of an environment, a first return duct (6) of said heating installation, a second discharge pipe (5) connected to a sanitary water installation, a second return pipe (7) of said sanitary water installation, said first discharge pipe (4) being directly connected to a conduit (8) for supplying hot water from a remote system for producing hot water, remote from said environment, said return duct (7) being connected to a conduit (9) for returning water to said remote hot water production system; a modulating valve (19, 25) on each of said return ducts (6, 7), each being able to control the flow rate flowing in said return ducts (6, 7), a temperature sensor (21 ) being provided on the second discharge duct (5) and a flowmeter (22) also being provided on the second return duct (7), a temperature sensor 27 raising the temperature of the water at the outlet of said satellite group or the heating interface unit (1), characterized in that an electronic control unit (30) connected to at least said water temperature sensor (27) at the output of said satellite group, to said flapper is provided flow control means (19, 25) on the return ducts (6, 7), said temperature sensor (21) on the second discharge duct (5) and said flowmeter (22), said modulating control unit the temperature of the water flow in order to get an appropriate temperature operation of water circulating in the heating system and / or water for sanitary purposes. Satellite group according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (30) is a microprocessor unit with a memory. Satellite group according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (30) is connected to a room temperature thermostat (37). Satellite group according to Claim 2, characterized in that the memory of the control unit (30) contains predefined data of temperature values of the heating circuit of the environment and minimum water temperature values. health. 5. Satellite group according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit is adapted to activate a flow of hot water for sanitary use to maintain a minimum temperature of domestic hot water. 6. Satellite group according to claim 1, of the type comprising a pump (18) disposed on the first return duct (6), characterized in that said control unit controls said pump (18). 7. Satellite group according to claim 1, of the type comprising a pump and a mixing valve (40) located on the first return duct (6) characterized in that said pump (18) and said mixing valve (40) are connected to said control unit (30). 8. Satellite group according to claim 1, of the type comprising a temperature sensor (13) adapted to raise the temperature of the water present in the first discharge pipe (4) and a safety thermostat (14) connected to said first conduit discharge device (4), characterized in that said control unit is connected to said temperature sensor (13) and said safety thermostat (14). 9. Satellite group according to claim 1, of the type comprising a pressure sensor or pressure switch (15) disposed on the first discharge pipe (4), characterized in that the control unit (30) is connected to said sensor pressure (15). 10. Satellite group according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit (30) is programmable remotely. 11. Satellite group according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit (30) has connection areas able to allow its direct programming.