FR3075328A1 - THERMAL COLLECTOR OF SOLAR ENERGY - Google Patents

Abstract

 The invention relates to a thermal collector (1) of solar energy comprising a heat absorber (5) disposed in a sealed enclosure (2) and filled with a gaseous insulator.  According to the invention, the heat absorber (5) cooperates with at least one conduit (6) passing through the enclosure (2) and conveying a heat transfer liquid, in order to optimize the heat absorption, the heat absorber (5) and the conduit (6) are held in the center of the enclosure (2) by holding means (15) secured to the enclosure (2).  The invention also relates to a set of thermal collectors (1) and to a method of manufacturing the thermal collector (1).

Description

Solar thermal collector

The present invention is in the field of renewable energy and more particularly in the solar energy sector.

As is known, there are at least two solar collector technologies, a first solar collector technology transforms photons of light into electricity. For this purpose, this technology uses photovoltaic panels. Whereas a • second technology collects solar energy by radiation and communicates it to a heat transfer fluid by heat transfer. For this purpose, this technology uses thermal solar collectors or thermal collector of solar energy.

In this context, the present invention relates to a thermal solar energy collector.

In known manner, there are at least three types of thermal solar energy collector.

'A first type of thermal solar energy collector described for example in the document FR 2 523 698, consists of a rigid enclosure of parallelepiped shape having two opposite faces from each other and formed respectively by a glass plate hardened to capture the .rayon: .. solar. The enclosure is placed under pressure conditions below atmospheric pressure so as to generate an artificial vacuum which makes it possible to improve the insulation of the enclosure against thermal losses in convection. The enclosure includes a heat absorber coupled with a conduit conveying a heat transfer fluid so as to extract solar energy by heat transfer. This type of solar thermal collector has the disadvantage of requiring the use of a pump to generate the vacuum inside the enclosure. In addition, the fact that only two faces of the enclosure make it possible to capture the solar radiation decreases the coefficient of sunshine of the enclosure and therefore the absorption efficiency of solar thermal energy.

A second type of thermal collector described for example in documents FR 2 457 449 and GB 2 457 701 which consists of an inflatable enclosure of parallelepipedal shape maintained at a determined pressure which. is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure. This type of thermal collector recovers solar energy by a heat transfer which takes place at the level of a heat absorber formed by a flexible material conduit which conveys a heat transfer fluid. The flexible material conduit is positioned between two inflatable panels of parallelepiped shape which constitute the inflatable enclosure. The parallelepiped shape of the inflatable enclosure reduces the coefficient of sunshine of the thermal collector and does not allow the enclosure to be heated uniformly by the flexible material conduit does not have a poor efficiency of absorption of solar thermal energy.

A third type of thermal collector described for example in document WO 2010/082181 which consists of an inflatable enclosure which has a rigid wall made of insulation and a translucent inflatable wall which allows light to pass through. This type of thermal collector recovers solar energy by a heat transfer via a heat absorber formed within the enclosure and which cooperates with a conduit passing through the enclosure and conveying a heat transfer fluid. Although this type of thermal collector has good solar thermal energy absorption efficiencies, the complexity of their structure leads to a significant manufacturing cost.

The present invention seeks to optimize the absorption efficiency of solar thermal energy while reducing the production costs of the solar thermal collector.

To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a thermal solar energy collector comprising a heat absorber disposed in a sealed enclosure filled with a gaseous insulator. The thermal collector is characterized in that the heat absorber cooperates with at least one conduit passing through the enclosure and conveying a heat transfer liquid, in order to optimize the heat absorption, the heat absorber and the conduit are maintained in the center of the 'enclosure by holding means secured to the enclosure.

According to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the enclosure comprises walls made of polymeric and / or composite material.

According to a characteristic first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the holding means are formed by a membrane, preferably the membrane is made of the same material as the walls of the enclosure.

According to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the enclosure comprises a transmittance of at least 15% of the solar radiation for a wavelength between 160 nm and 8000 nm.

According to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the enclosure has a transmittance of at least 90% of the solar radiation is for a wavelength between 380 nm and 2500 nm.

According to a fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the duct and the heat absorber are in direct thermal contact. This characteristic promotes better heat transfer between the heat absorber and the duct.

According to a fifth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the duct is connected to at least one rotating joint making it possible to orient the thermal collector according to the angle of inclination of the solar rays. This characteristic makes it possible to optimize the absorption of solar radiation throughout 1 ’year.

According to a sixth embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the enclosure comprises a non-return valve making it possible to control the internal pressure of the enclosure.

According to a seventh embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the duct comprises a sealing member at its entry and its exit from the enclosure, the sealing member ensuring perfect airtightness and the enclosure water.

According to an eighth embodiment of the first aspect of 1 / invention, the enclosure is in the form of a cylinder, the heat absorber and the duct extending along an axis parallel to a central axis of the enclosure.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the enclosure is formed by two sheaths secured to one another.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a set of thermal solar energy collectors according to the first aspect of the invention. The set of thermal collectors is characterized in that each duct of each thermal collector is connected to a pipe collecting the heat transfer fluid from each duct and conveying it to a tank and / or to an electricity generator.

Other particularities and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows of three nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the invention which are illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 5 placed in the appendix and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of two thermal collectors of solar energy conform to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective representation of two thermal collectors of solar energy according to a second embodiment of one invention;

Figure 3 is a top view representation of a set of thermal solar energy collectors of Figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the transmittance of the enclosure of a thermal collector in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention; and Figure 5 is a perspective representation of a section of a thermal solar energy collector according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The invention relates to a thermal collector 1 of solar energy comprising an enclosure 2 adapted to capture the solar radiation. Generally, a thermal collector 1 is held in position by a support structure.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the enc 2 has two ends 2a, 2b opposite one another. Here, the enclosure 2 is in the form of a cylinder which extends in a longitudinal direction between each end 2a, 2b.

The enclosure 2 can extend over a distance between 1 m and 100 m long, preferably the distance over which the enclosure 2 extends can be between 20 m and 80 m, and preferably the distance over which extends the enclosure 2 can be between 30 m and 60 m. Furthermore, the diameter of the enclosure 2 can be between 120mm and 250mm.

Advantageously, the cylindrical shape of the enclosure 2 makes it possible to reduce its wind resistance. The reduction in the wind resistance makes it possible to lighten the load-bearing structure which supports the thermal collector 1.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the enclosure 2 has walls 3 which extend between each end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2. The walls 3 delimit an internal space 4 of the enclosure 2 where the absorption of thermal solar energy.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collector 1 comprises ^ at least one heat absorber 5 extends along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the enclosure 2 extends. The heat absorber 5 is formed within the enclosure 2 and extends between each end 2a, 2b, of the enclosure 2. In known manner, the heat absorber 5 is formed by a metallic body of black and / or chromed color.

In this example, the heat absorber 5 cooperates at least with one duct 6. In practice, a manifold 1 can comprise a multitude of ducts 6. Here, the duct 6 and the heat absorber 5 are in direct thermal contact. This characteristic promotes better heat transfer from the heat absorber 5 and the duct 6.

In order to improve the heat transfer, the conduit 6 is made of a metallic material which has good thermal conduction such as copper or aluminum.

The conduit 6 passes through the enclosure 2 and conveys a heat transfer liquid suitable for absorbing the heat energy collected by the heat absorber 5 by heat transfer.

To this end, the conduit 6 between the enclosure 2 through a first orifice 7 formed at one end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2. The first orifice 7 corresponds to the entry of the conduit 6 into the enclosure 2. The conduit 6 leaves the enclosure 2 through a second orifice 8 formed at one end a, 2b of the enclosure 2. The second orifice 8 corresponds to the outlet of the conduit 6 from the enclosure 2.

Preferably, the first and the second orifice 7, 8 are formed respectively at an end 2a, 2b distinct from the enclosure 2. Here, the first and the second orifice 7, 8 are formed at the level of a plug 9 arranged at each end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2.

The plug 9 seals the enclosure 2 with air and water. The plug 9 can be formed by a disc secured to the walls of the enclosure 2 (illustrated in FIG. 1). The disc can be secured to the walls by welding or crimping.

In order to preserve the tightness of the enclosure 2, the duct 6 comprises a sealing member 10 at its entry and its exit from the enclosure 2. The sealing member 10 can be formed by a press packing or any other system making it possible to seal the enclosure 2 at each orifice 7, 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, with the aim of absorbing solar thermal energy, the conduit 6 is connected by a first end 11 to a first pipe 12 conveying heat transfer liquid from a cold source. In this example, the temperature of the coolant from the cold source is less than 30 ° C, preferably the temperature of the coolant from the cold source is less than 20 ° C, and preferably the temperature of the coolant from the cold source is less than 15 ° C.

The heat transfer liquid from the cold source and conveyed through the conduit 6 enters the enclosure 2 via the first orifice 7 and travels through the conduit 6 to the second orifice 8 at which the conduit 6 leaves the enclosure 2. When the heat transfer liquid flows through the pipe 6 inside the enclosure 2, it stores the heat that the heat absorber 5 transmits to the pipe 6. At the outlet of the enclosure 2, the heated heat liquid has a temperature of between 70 ° C and 120 ° C.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the conduit 6 is connected by a second end 13 to a second pipe 14 collecting the heated heat transfer fluid from each conduit 6 and conveying it to a tank and / or to an electricity generator in order to store it or generate electricity.

In the example of Figure 3, the conduit 6 is connected to at least one rotary joint 12a, 14a. the first and second ends 11, 13 of conduit 6 are respectively connected to the first and second pipes 12, 14 by a rotary joint 12a, 14a. The rotating joint allows each thermal collector 1 to be oriented according to the angle of inclination of the sun's rays *. Indeed, in a known manner the angle of the light rays varies during the year as a function of the rotation of the planet Earth on its ellipse and on itself.

The thermal collectors 1 connected to the same pipes 12, 14 form a set of thermal collectors 1 which can be spaced from 0.5 m to 4 m respectively from each other. Preferably, the thermal collectors 1 are spaced from 1.5 m to 3 m.

In this example, the heat transfer liquid is formed by water, preferably the heat liquid is formed by glycol water. The glycol water makes it possible to prevent the water from freezing in the duct 6 between the cold source and the enclosure 2 when the outside temperature is below 0G °.

However, the heat liquid can be formed by any other liquid capable of carrying heat energy in the form of heat.

In order to avoid any heat loss and to optimize the transfer of heat to the heat transfer liquid, the heat absorber 5 and the duct 6 are held in the center of the enclosure 2. In practice, the duct 6 and the heat absorber 5 extend along a parallel axis of the central axis of the enclosure. Preferably, the duct 6 and the heat absorber 5 extend along the central axis of the enclosure 2. In this configuration, the heat losses are limited due to the central position of the heat absorbing couple 5 and duct 6 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat absorber 5 and duct 6 is held in the center of the enclosure 2 by holding means 15 secured to the enclosure 2.

In practice, the holding means 15 are formed by a membrane

16. Preferably, the membrane 16 is made of the same material as the walls 3 of the enclosure 2. The membrane 16 can be fixed to the heat absorber 5 and to the duct 6 by links of all types. Here, the membrane 16 extends longitudinally within the internal space 4 of the enclosure 2. Preferably, the membrane 16 is connected to two walls 3 of the enclosure 2. The two walls 3 to which the membrane is linked 16 are diametrically opposed to each other. The membrane 16 is secured to the walls 3 of the enclosure 2 via a junction 17. Preferably, the junction 17 is produced by welding.

In the example of FIG. 5, the holding means 15 are formed by two membranes 16 positioned on either side of the heat absorber 5 and of the duct 6.

In order to isolate the heat absorber assembly 5 and the duct 6, the internal space 4 of the enclosure 2 is filled with a gaseous insulator. The gaseous insulator which surrounds the heat absorber 5 and the duct 6 makes it possible to limit the losses of solar thermal energy by diffusion of heat and / or by radiation from the heat absorber 5.

Here, the gaseous insulator can be formed by a gas or a set of gases such as air. Advantageously, the air has a low thermal conductivity of the order of 0.024 W / m / K which makes it possible to optimally isolate the enclosure 2.

It should be noted that it is also possible to use rare gases such as argon to fill the enclosure 2. In fact, the rare gases have a thermal conductivity lower than that of air. For example, argon has a thermal conductivity of the order of 0.0177 W / m / K.

In this example, the internal space 4 of the enclosure 2 is pressurized at a determined pressure. Here, the internal space 4 is placed in slight overpressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the internal space 4 has a pressure between 1 bar and 3 bars, preferably the pressure of the internal space 4 is between 1.5 bars and 2.5 bars.

In order to maintain the internal space 4 of the enclosure 2 pressurized, the enclosure 2 is provided airtight and water tight.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the enclosure 2 includes a gas check valve 8. The non-return valve 18 makes it possible to fill, control and / or readjust the internal pressure of the enclosure 2. Here, the non-return valve 18 is disposed at the plug 9 at one end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2 The non-return valve 18 can be arranged at each end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2.

The fact that the enclosure 2 is insulated by a gaseous insulator, reduces the mass of the thermal collector 1 accordingly. This characteristic contributes to lightening the load-bearing structure of the thermal collector. But also to reduce the manufacturing cost of the thermal collector 1.

In order to optimally absorb thermal solar energy, the walls 3 of the enclosure 2 have good transmittance to solar radiation.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 4 by a wall spectrum 19 of transmittance, the walls 3 have a transmittance of at least 15% for wavelengths of solar radiation which are between 160 nm and 8000 nm. Unlike the transmittance spectrum of glass 20, the transmittance of the walls 3 makes it possible to capture, on the one hand, the solar radiation of UVB and distant UV between 160 nm and 300 nm, and on the other hand, the infrared solar radiation between 4500- nm and 8000 nm.

Preferably, the walls 3 have a transmittance of at least 50% for wavelengths of the solar radiation which are between 200 nm and 7100 nm. Unlike the transmittance spectrum of glass 20, the transmittance of the walls 3 makes it possible to capture, on the one hand, the solar radiation of UVB and distant UV between 200 nm and 300 nm, and on the other hand, the infrared solar radiation between 4500 nm and 7200 nm.

Preferably, the walls 3 have a transmittance of at least 70% for wavelengths of the solar radiation which are between 230 nm and 7000 nm. Unlike the transmittance spectrum of glass 20, the transmittance of the walls 3 makes it possible, on the one hand, to capture at least 70% of the solar radiation of UVB and of distant UV between 230 nm and 330 nm, and on the other hand, to minus 70% of infrared solar radiation between 700 nm and 7000 nm.

Preferably, the walls 3 have a transmittance of at least 80% for wavelengths of the solar radiation which are between 300 nm and 2800 nm. Unlike the transmittance spectrum of glass 20, the transmittance of the walls 3 makes it possible, on the one hand, to capture at least 80% of the solar radiation of UVB and UVA between 230 nm and 330 nm, and on the other hand, at least 80 % of infrared solar radiation between 700 nm and 2800 nm.

Preferably, the walls 3 have a transmittance of at least 90% for wavelengths of the solar radiation which are between 380 nm and 2500 nm. Unlike the transmittance spectrum of glass 20, the transmittance of the walls 3 makes it possible, on the one hand, to capture at least 90% of the solar radiation between 390 nm. and 700 nm, and on the other hand, at least 90% of the infrared solar radiation between 700 nm and 2500 nm.

Advantageously, the fact that the walls 3 have good transmittance of the solar radiation in the visible spectrum (400 nm to 700 nm) makes it possible to increase the absorption efficiency of the solar thermal energy in particular relative to the glass (see figure 4).

In addition, the fact that the walls 3 have good transmittance of solar radiation in the UV and / or infrared spectrum makes it possible to increase the absorption efficiency of solar thermal energy all the more, in particular compared to glass which has a low transmittance below 330 nm and above 3500 nm (see Figure 4).

Furthermore, in order to optimize the transmittance of the walls 3, it is possible to vary the thickness of the walls 3. Preferably, the walls 3 of the enclosure 2 have a small thickness of between 1 mm and 0.001 mm, of preferably the thickness of the walls 3 is between 0.1 mm and 0.01 mm and preferably the thickness of the walls 3 is between 0.05 mm and 0.02 mm. The use of thin walls 3 makes it possible to optimize, on the one hand, the transmittance of solar radiation, and on the other hand, to reduce the manufacturing costs of the thermal collector 1.

In this example, the walls 3 have mechanical properties of elasticity and resistance. Thus, the walls 3 have an elongation at break of between 100% and 500%, preferably the elongation at break of the walls 3 is between 200% and 400% and preferably the elongation at break of the walls 3 is between 250% and 350%. For example, polymeric and / or composite materials such as PTFE or polyurethane make it possible to form walls 3 having such mechanical properties.

The walls 3 may also have non-stick properties limiting the deposition of dust and dirt on the surface of the walls 3. This characteristic makes it possible to reduce the maintenance costs of the thermal collector 1, and in particular its cleaning.

In this example, the walls 3 are made of a polymeric and / or composite material. The choice of the type of materials can be made according to several parameters which are linked to its physico-chemical and optical properties. Here, the choice of the type of material can be made as a function of its transmittance of solar radiation at low thickness. The choice of the type of material can also be made as a function of its elongation properties at break. Polymers such as polyurethane, polycarbonate or fluoropolymers can have such properties.

It should be noted that the polymeric spectrum of transmittance 19 illustrated in FIG. 4 corresponds to the transmittance spectrum of polytetrafluoroethylene or "PTFE" known under the brand "Teflon". PTFE is a fluoropolymer.

In a first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the conduit 6 is arranged in the form of a round trip in the enclosure 2. More precisely, the conduit 6 enters and leaves the enclosure 2 by the same end 2a of the enclosure 2. The plug 9 is formed by a disc · made of “EPDM” type rubber. The disc is secured to the walls 3 of the enclosure 2 by crimping.

In a second exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conduit 6 enters through a first end 2b of the enclosure 2 and leaves the enclosure 2 through its second end 2 a. Here, the plug 9 is formed by welding the walls 3 of the enclosure 2.

In a third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, the enclosure 2 is formed by two sheaths 21. The two sheaths 21 are secured to one another. In this example, the two sheaths 21 are joined by assembling at least part of their respective wall 3. The two sheaths 21 are joined by mechanical or chemical joining means 22. Here, the securing means 22 are formed by two adhesive strips 23 located respectively on either side of the heat absorber 5. Each adhesive strip 23 extends longitudinally over the entire length of the enclosure 2. In this example , the enclosure 2 comprises two membranes 16 located on either side of the heat absorber 5 and of the duct 6. Each membrane 16 corresponds to a part of the wall 3 of each sheath 21. Preferably, the internal spaces of each sheath 21 are connected to each other so as to guarantee a uniform pressure in the enclosure 2. The connection between the two sheaths 21 also promotes a homogeneous distribution of the solar thermal energy captured around the heat absorber 5 and conduit 6.

The thermal collector 1 according to the invention makes it possible to optimize the absorption performance of solar radiation while reducing the manufacturing costs of the thermal collector 1.

In this context, the applicant has also developed an economical manufacturing process for the thermal collector 1 on site.

The manufacturing process includes a step of welding the holding means 15 to 1 / enclosure 2. More particularly, the holding means 15 are welded to the walls 3 of the enclosure 2. Considering the small thickness of the walls 3, the weld presents microscopic precision. Therefore, the welding step is preferably carried out by ultrasonic welding. Advantageously, ultrasonic welding has remarkable efficiency and makes it possible to produce 20 m to 40 m of welding per minute. Reducing the manufacturing costs of the thermal collector 1.

The manufacturing process includes a fixing step, from the heat absorber 5 to the duct 6.

The manufacturing process includes a step of assembling the enclosure 2 with the heat absorber 5 and the duct 6. In practice, the enclosure 2 having the holding means 15 is threaded onto the heat absorber 5 and the duct 6 .

The manufacturing process comprises a step of sealing the enclosure 2 by making and / or installing plugs 9 at each end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2. A sealing member 10 is also provided at each inlet and outlet of the conduit 6. A non-return valve 18 is also provided at at least one end 2a, 2b of the enclosure 2.

The manufacturing process comprises a step of pressurizing the enclosure 2. During this step, a gaseous insulator is blown into the enclosure 2 by means of a non-return valve 18.

The manufacturing process includes a step of connecting the conduit 6 respectively to the pipes 12, 14.

Finally, the commissioning of the thermal collector 1 is carried out by circulating a heat transfer liquid from a cold source to a reservoir of hot heat transfer liquid, and / or an electricity generator.

Claims (13)

1. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy comprising a heat absorber 15) disposed in a sealed enclosure (2) filled with a gaseous insulator, characterized in that the heat absorber (5) cooperates with- at least one conduit (6) passing through the enclosure (2) and conveying a heat transfer liquid, in order to optimize the heat absorption, the heat absorber (5) and the conduit (6) are held in the center of the enclosure (2) by holding means (15) secured to the enclosure (2). 2. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure (2) comprises walls (3) made of polymeric and / or composite material. 3. thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding means (15) are formed by a membrane (16), preferably the membrane (16) is made of the same material as the walls (3) of the enclosure (2). 4. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the enclosure (2) has a transmittance of at least 15% of solar radiation for a wavelength included between 160 nm and 8000 nm. 5. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the enclosure (2) has a transmittance of at least 90% of the solar radiation is for a wavelength between 380 nm and 2500 nm. 6. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the duct (6) and the heat absorber (5) are in direct thermal contact. 7. thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims there 6, characterized in that the conduit (5) is connected to at least one rotary joint (12a, 14a) allowing to orient the thermal collector ( 1) according to the angle of inclination of the sun's rays. 8. Thermal collector Cl) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the enclosure (2) comprises a non-return valve (18) making it possible to control the internal pressure of the enclosure ( 2). 9. thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the duct (6) comprises a sealing member (10) at its inlet and its outlet from the enclosure (2), the sealing member (10) ensuring perfect air and water tightness of the enclosure (2). 10. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the enclosure (2) is in the form of a cylinder, the heat absorber (5) and the conduit (6) extending along an axis parallel to a central axis of the enclosure (2). 11. Thermal collector (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the enclosure (2) is formed by two sheaths (21) secured to one another. 12. Set of thermal collectors (1) of solar energy according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that each conduit (6) of each thermal collector (1) is connected to a pipe (14) collecting the fluid coolant of each conduit (6) and routing it to a tank and / or to an electricity generator. 1/3 2b FIG. 1 FIG. 2 2/3 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 3/3 FIG. 5 FRENCH REPUBLIC National registration number FA 846925 FR 1762550 irai - I NATIONAL INSTITUTE PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL PRELIMINARY SEARCH REPORT based on the latest claims filed before the start of the search EPO FORM 1503 12.99 (P04C14) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED AS RELEVANT Relevant claim (s) Classification attributed to the invention by ΙΊΝΡΙ Category Citation of the document with indication, if necessary, of the relevant parts US 5,572,987 A (MORATALLA JOSE M [US] ET AL) November 12, 1996 (1996-11-12) * column 5, line 23 - column 6, line 39; figures 1-7 * GB 2 032 095 A (ANDERSON D C; DAWSON D) April 30, 1980 (1980-04-30) * page 2, line 1 - line 32; figures 1,2 WO 97/09573 A1 (MESSER GRIESHEIM GMBH [DE]; GERLING HELMUT [DE]; HORN HOLGER [DE]) March 13, 1997 (1997-03-13) * page 8, line 4 - line 24; figures 1,2 * * page 6, line 24 - line 26; figures 1,2 * * page 7, line 2 - line 4 * WO 2005/003644 A1 (SCRUBEI MARIO MARTIN [AT]; HADLAUER MARTIN [AT]) January 13, 2005 (2005-01-13) * figure 1 * DE 203 19 299 U1 (IND TECH RES INST [TW]) February 26, 2004 (2004-02-26) * figures 1,2 * 1,2,4-7, 9-12 1,2,6,9, 10.12 1,3,6, 8-10 F24S10 / 40 TECHNICAL AREAS SOUGHT (IPC) F24S Research completion date Examiner May 31, 2018 Mendâo, Joâo CATEGORY OF DOCUMENTS CITED X: particularly relevant on its own Y: particularly relevant in combination with another document in the same category A: technological background O: unwritten disclosure P: intermediate document T: theory or principle underlying the invention E: patent document with a date prior to the filing date and which was only published on that filing date or on a later date. D: cited in the request L: cited for other reasons &: member of the same family, corresponding document ANNEX TO THE PRELIMINARY RESEARCH REPORT RELATING TO THE FRENCH PATENT APPLICATION NO. FR 1762550 FA 846925 This appendix indicates the members of the patent family relating to the patent documents cited in the preliminary search report referred to above. The said members are contained in the computer file of the European Patent Office on the date of 31 “05-Z01o The information provided is given for information only and does not engage the responsibility of the European Patent Office or the French Administration