GB2580207A

GB2580207A - Monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater

Info

Publication number: GB2580207A
Application number: GB1915794.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rennison Ray; Hackett Wayne
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-10-31
Publication date: 2020-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-31
Also published as: DE102018218759A1; GB201915794D0; GB2580207B

Abstract

A monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing boiler (100, figure 1) comprises a condensate collector 201 that includes an exhaust gas inlet 203, an exhaust gas outlet 204 and a condensate discharge 206. A pressure measuring system 209 monitors a pressure of an interior 202 of the collector. The system may comprise a pressure measuring device 210 located on a base region 205 of the collector to sense the hydrostatic pressure of condensate. Alternatively, a pressure signal line (214, figures 3-7) – possibly connected to the collector via an immersion pipe (220, figures 4-6) or a pressure measuring chamber (217, figure 7) – may communicate with a pressure switch 213 to determine pressure. The switch may also be connected to ambient or a combustion air intake 107 of the boiler. In the event of blockage downstream of the condensate discharge, condensate builds up in the collector and an increase in pressure is sensed by the system. Where used, the pressure signal line is ideally of smaller diameter than the immersion pipe or pressure measuring chamber to improve sensitivity to pressure increases in the collector caused by rising levels of condensate. A condensing heater with a pressure measuring system is also claimed.

Description

Monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater

Prior art

Condensing heaters, comprising a condensed-water collector to capture and drain condensed water, are known from the prior art.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, comprising a condensed-water collector to capture and drain condensed water.

Generally, the condensed-water collector has an exhaust gas inlet opening to let in a mixture of exhaust gas and condensed water from a heat exchanger, an exhaust gas outlet opening to let out the exhaust gas into an exhaust gas line and a condensed-water discharge opening disposed in a base region of the condensed-water collector to discharge the condensed water into a condensed-water discharge line.

The invention is characterised by a pressure measuring system at least to monitor a pressure measured in the base region of the condensed-water collector. The pressure measuring system can in particular monitor a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water in the condensed-water collector. Alternatively or -2 -additionally, the pressure measuring system serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region of the condensed-water collector.

A condensing heater is understood here as an apparatus to heat at least one spare, for example an apartment or a building and/or at least one fluid, for example heating water, heating air, service water or drinking water. During a heating operation of the condensing heater, a mixture of fuel and combustion air is burned by means of a burner and a hot exhaust gas accumulates. For example, the exhaust gas flows, generally assisted by a blower, from the burner through at least one heat exchanger, through a condensed-water collector, through an exhaust gas line, to a chimney and into an open external environment. The exhaust gas is cooled in at least one heat exchanger, for example a fluid-cooled heat exchanger where it transfers its heat directly and/or indirectly to the at least one space and/or the at least one fluid. In the case of cooling the exhaust gas, water vapour contained in the exhaust gas can condense and condensed water results. A condensed-water collector is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger, designed in the manner of a trough and/or container and has a condensed-water collector interior closed by means of a wall with respect to an external environment. The condensed water is at least partially separated from the exhaust gas and collected in the condensed-water collector. To this end, the condensed-water -3 -collector has an exhaust gas inlet opening, an exhaust gas outlet opening and a base region. The base region is a region of the condensed-water collector, which is geodetically deep or low-lying on the condensing heater set up and ready for use, in which the condensed water is collected by the effect of gravity. In particular, the base region is a region in the condensed-water collector interior. The condensed-water discharge opening arranged in the base region of the condensed-water collector serves to discharge the condensed water out of the condensed water collector into a condensed-water discharge line. The condensed-water discharge line generally leads into a general waste water collection line, for example by interconnecting a siphon. Using the monitoring apparatus, the operation of the condensing heater is monitored, in particular in regard to the aspect of undischarged condensed water, for example owing to a blockage of the condensed-water discharge opening. A blockage of the siphon or the condensed-water discharge line can also be identified. Such a blockage may be caused by the build-up of dirt particles, which originate from the combustion, from a material removal in the heat exchanger or from another item in the condensed-water path. The pressure measured by the pressure measuring system is a pressure prevailing in the base region of the condensed-water collector. For example, said pressure is a pressure in the exhaust gas, which may also be located in the base region, or a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the -4 -condensed water in the condensed-water collector. The pressure measured in the base region of the condensed-water collector may be as absolute pressure or as differential pressure, for example as the difference compared to the pressure of the external environment or another pressure. The condensed water generally flows quite quickly out of the condensed-water collector; then a part of the exhaust gas flowing through the condensed-water collector is located in the base region and the measured pressure is the pressure in the exhaust gas. It may also happen that the condensed water does not flow out or flows out only slowly from the condensed-water collector, for example if the condensed-water discharge opening is blocked, then the non-outflowing condensed water is collected in the condensed-water collector, beginning in the base region and a fluid column of a rising condensed-water level may increase. In this case, the pressure measuring system measures the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid column of the condensed water plus the pressure in the exhaust gas, which acts from above on the fluid column. On the basis of this pressure, a conclusion can be drawn about the correct operational behaviour of the condensing heater.

An advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that the pressure measuring system comprises a pressure measuring device and/or a pressure switch, with a first measuring input of the pressure measuring device -5 -and/or the pressure switch being connected to the base region of the condensed-water collector, in particular via a pressure signal line leading into the base region of the condensed-water collector. A pressure measuring device is understood here as a device which measures a pressure value of a pressure applied to a measurement input and sends it for an evaluation, for example to a regulating device, and the regulating device can perform an intervention, in particular in the operation of the condensing heater, as a function of an evaluation of the pressure value. The regulating device can be part of the monitoring apparatus. Alternatively, the regulating device can be part of the condensing heater. A pressure switch is understood here as a device which compares a pressure value of a pressure applied to the measurement input or of a differential pressure applied between for example two measurement inputs with a predefinable pressure limit value and, in the case of exceeding the pressure limit value, triggers a switching operation which is for example reported to a regulating device or another component, in particular of the condensing heater. In particular, at least one component can be switched off by means of the switching operation. The pressure signal line, in a leak-tight manner, leads out to the external environment through the condensed-water collector wall and/or coming through the condensed-water collector interior in the base region. The pressure in the base region of the condensed-water -6 -collector can thus be determined particularly easily.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised by the pressure measuring system comprising a pressure measuring chamber arranged in or on the condensed-water collector, with the pressure measuring chamber extending at least partially along a structural height of the condensed-water collector, in particular in a vertical direction, with the pressure measuring chamber having a first opening in a lower section, with the pressure measuring chamber having a second opening in an upper section via which the pressure measuring chamber is connected to a first measurement input of the pressure measuring device and/or of the pressure switch. The pressure measuring chamber can be arranged inside the condensed-water collector, but also externally, in particular outside the wall of the condensed-water collector. For example, the pressure measuring chamber has rigid walls, whereby it is particularly robust. An interior of the pressure measuring chamber is in particular substantially not flowed through, but rather has a stationary medium, for example exhaust gas and/or air and/or condensed water, as a result an ingress of dirt particles into the pressure measuring chamber is unlikely, if not ruled out. The cross-section of the first opening can in particular be substantially as large as the cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber. Due to the size, the -7 -likelihood of blocking of the first opening is low. The pressure measuring chamber leads by means of the first opening into the base region of the condensed-water collector, as a result the pressure in the base region is also transferred to the pressure measuring chamber. Owing to the first opening and because the pressure measuring chamber extends at least partially along the structural height of the condensed-water collector, it is ensured that the fluid column of a rising condensed-water level can be designed at least partially also inside the pressure measuring chamber. The structural height is in particular a dimension designed in the operationally-ready set-up of the condensed-water collector in the vertical direction. A connection of the second opening of the pressure measuring chamber with a first measurement input of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure switch can take place by means of a pressure signal line.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised by a cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber being larger, preferably at least ten times larger, in particular at least thirty times larger, than a cross-section of a pressure signal line connecting the pressure measuring chamber to the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure switch. The pressure signal line has for example a diameter in the range of between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular in the range of between 2 mm and 3 mm, preferably 2.7 mm. The -8 -pressure measuring chamber has for example a diameter in the range of between 10 mm and 30 mm, in particular in the range of between 15 mm and 20 mm, preferably 16 mm. An advantageous volume effect results from the pressure measuring chamber designed with a larger cross-section compared to the pressure signal line, owing to which, in the case of a rising fluid column in condensed-water collector and pressure measuring chamber, more volume, in particular more exhaust gas and/or air volume, is displaced out of the pressure measuring chamber through the pressure signal line in the direction of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure switch, than would be the case when only using a pressure signal line with relatively small cross-section. Precisely in the case of a pressure measuring device and/or a pressure switch with an inner measuring chamber volume, this feature improves response sensitivity. The exhaust gas and/or air volume, which is displaced to the pressure switch, pressure switch. measuring device and/or to the pressure increases the pressure measured by the measuring device and/or by the pressure A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that the pressure signal line and/or the pressure measuring chamber is formed by an immersion pipe immersed in the condensed-water collector. Such an immersion pipe extends at least partially along a structural height of the condensed-water collector, with the -9 -immersion pipe haying a first opening in a lower section, via which the immersion pipe communicates with the base region of the condensed-water collector, with the immersion pipe having a second opening in an upper section via which the immersion pipe is connected to a first measurement input of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure switch. The immersion pipe can in particular be arranged inside the condensed-water collector, but alternatively also externally, in particular outside of the wall of the condensed-water collector. The immersion pipe is an independent component and is arranged, in an exhaust gas-tight manner, and, condensed water-tight manner, in or on the condensed-water collector, for example screwed, in a sealed manner, with an 0-ring or flat seal such that only the first opening and second opening remain free. The immersion pipe can be easily removed in the case of maintenance or damage and if necessary replaced with a new immersion pipe.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that the pressure signal line and/or the pressure measuring chamber is designed at least partially in one piece with the condensed-water collector. For example, the pressure signal line and/or the pressure measuring chamber can be designed in a materially-integral manner with the condensed-water collector and/or formed on the inside or outside of the condensed-water collector. A pressure signal line and/or pressure measuring chamber designed in this manner -10 -is/are cost-effective in mass production and loss-proof.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that a further measurement input of the pressure measuring device and/or of the pressure switch is connected to an external environment of the condensing heater. Using such a connection type, the overpressure of the measured pressure compared to the pressure in the external environment can be detected and form the basis of the pressure measurement of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure circuit of the pressure switch. Using the monitoring apparatus designed in this manner, the operation of the condensing heater is monitored, in particular in regard to the aspect of blockage of the condensed-water discharge from the condensed-water collector.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that a further measurement input of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure switch is connected to a combustion air line of the condensing heater. Using this connection type, the differential pressure of the measured pressure can be detected compared to the pressure in the combustion air line and form the basis of the pressure measurement of the pressure measuring device and/or the pressure circuit of the pressure switch. Using the monitoring apparatus, the operation of the condensing heater is monitored, in particular in regard to the aspect of blockage of the condensed-water discharge from the condensed-water collector and blockage of the combustion air line and/or exhaust gas line.

A blockage of the combustion air line and/or exhaust gas line can take place at an inlet of the combustion air from the open external environment into the combustion air line or at an outlet of the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas line into the open external environment. Causes of this may be leaves, soot, snow, ice, birds' nests, also dead animals and others.

For example, the combustion air is suctioned by means of a blower from the external environment through the combustion air line, combined with fuel and burned. The exhaust gas resulting in this manner is guided back into the external environment via the at least one heat exchanger, the condensed-water collector, the exhaust gas line and the chimney. In this case, depending on the system and throughput, a typical pressure gradient is set along the combustion air line, the heat exchanger, the condensed-water collector and the exhaust gas line. A blockage of the combustion air line and/or exhaust gas line changes this pressure gradient which can be identified by means of a measurement of the pressure in the combustion air line via the further measurement input of the pressure measuring device.

-12 -A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring apparatus is characterised in that the monitoring apparatus is designed to switch off the condensing heater and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry in a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value. Switching off the condensing heater can in particular be understood as switching off an energy supply, in particular power supply or switching off a component, in particular the burner. Outputting a warning notification can in particular mean that an acoustically or visually perceivable notification is output for a user's information. A log entry can be further processed by means of data processing and/or re-read for subsequent evaluation. Therefore, it can be ensured that the condensing heater or a user can react appropriately to an incident and can rule out any risks associated therewith.

The invention further relates to a condensing heater to heat at least one space and/or at least one fluid. The invention is characterised by a monitoring apparatus in particular in accordance with any one of the previously described features, with a condensed-water collector to capture and drain condensed water and with a pressure measuring system to monitor a pressure measured in a base region of the condensed-water collector, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column -13 -of condensed water in the condensed-water collector. Therefore, a condensing heater is provided which can monitor its operation by itself.

An advantageous embodiment of the condensing heater is characterised in that the pressure measuring system comprises a pressure signal line and/or a pressure measuring chamber, with the pressure signal line and/or the pressure measuring chamber being formed by an immersion pipe immersed in the condensed-water collector. The immersion pipe can be easily replaced with a new immersion pipe in the event of damage.

A further advantageous embodiment of the condensing heater is characterised in that the pressure measuring system comprises a pressure signal line and/or a pressure measuring chamber, with the pressure signal line and/or the pressure measuring chamber being designed at least partially in one piece with the condensed-water collector. A pressure signal line and/or pressure measuring chamber designed in this manner is/are cost-effective in mass production and loss-proof.

A further advantageous embodiment of the condensing heater is characterised in that the condensing heater is designed to switch off and/or output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry in a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value. Therefore, it -14 -can be ensured that the condensing heater or a user can react appropriately to an incident and can rule out any risks associated therewith.

Drawings Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. Seven exemplary embodiments of the invention are represented in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them to form suitable further combinations. Identical reference numerals designate identical or comparable components or situations. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions in the description of the drawing, reference is made to the description of the other figures in each case. Of these: Figure 1 shows a condensing heater, Figure 2 shows a first monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, Figure 3 shows a second monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, Figure 4 shows a third monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, Figure 5 shows a fourth monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, Figure 6 shows a fifth monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater, Figure 7 shows a sixth monitoring apparatus for a condensing heater.

Figure 1 shows a condensing heater 100 to heat at least one space and/or at least one fluid 101 with a burner 102 with blower (the latter not visible since it is in the burner housing), arranged on a lower section of a first heat exchanger 103, a first heat exchanger 103, a first deflection chamber 104, a second heat exchanger 105, a second deflection chamber 106 with condensed-water collector 201 designed therein and a combined combustion air line 107/exhaust gas line 108 (pipe in pipe). A mixture of fuel and combustion air 109 is burned in a heating operation of the condensing heater 100 by means of the burner 102 and a hot exhaust gas 110 accumulates. The exhaust gas 110 flows, assisted by the blower, supported by the thermal boost, from the burner 102 through the first heat exchanger 103, the first deflection chamber 104, the second heat exchanger 105, the second deflection chamber 106 with condensed-water collector 201, through the exhaust gas line 108 to a chimney (not represented) and into an open external environment. The exhaust gas 110 is cooled in the heat exchangers 103, 105, where it transfers its heat to a fluid 101. When cooling the exhaust gas 110 in the second heat exchanger 105, water vapour contained in the exhaust gas 110 condenses and condensed water 111 results. The condensed-water collector 201 is designed downstream of the second heat exchanger 105 in the second deflection -16 -chamber 106 in the manner of a trough and/or container and has a condensed-water collector interior 202 closed by means of a wall with respect to an external environment. The condensed water 111 is, in the condensed-water collector 201, at least partially separated from the exhaust gas 110, captured, collected, and drained. To this end, the condensed-water collector 201 has an exhaust gas inlet opening 203 to let in a mixture of exhaust gas 110 and condensed water 111, an exhaust gas outlet opening 204 to let out the exhaust gas 110 into the exhaust gas lire 108 and a base region 205. The base region 205 is a region of the condensed-water collector 201 geodetically deep or low-lying on the condensing heater 100 set up and ready for use, in which the condensed water 111 is collected by the effect of gravity. In particular, the base region 205 is a region in the condensed-water collector interior 202. A condensed-water discharge opening 206 arranged in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201 serves to drain the condensed water 111 from the condensed water collector 201 into a condensed-water discharge line 207. The condensed-water discharge line 207 leads, by interconnecting a siphon 208, to a general waste water collection line. The main axes of the second heat exchanger 105, the second deflection chamber 106 with condensed-water collector 201 designed therein and the combined combustion air line 107/exhaust gas line 108 have, on the condensing heater 100 that is set up and ready for use, a low inclination with respect to -17 -the horizontal such that condensed water 111 flows from these components in the direction of the condensed-water collector 201 and/or the condensed-water discharge opening 206. The condensing heater 100 comprises a monitoring apparatus 200 which has the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water 111 in the condensed-water collector 201. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure measuring system 209 serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The previously described condensing heater 101 has the advantage that the hot exhaust gases 110 flow under thermal boost through the first heat exchanger 103 and therefore require a low blower capacity. The first heat exchanger 103 is a dry heat exchanger such that condensation of the exhaust gas moisture does not occur here or any condensation occurring initially after the start of burning is quickly dried again during the heating operation. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 103 can be produced from relatively simple non-corrosion resistant material; just as the first deflection chamber 104. The second heat exchanger 105 and the line components following downstream in contact with the exhaust gas will generally be permanently moist from condensed water at least -18 -during the heating operation and must consist of a corrosion-resistant material.

An alternative structure of the condensing heater 100 not represented here is conceivable, in the case of which the burner 102 with blower is arranged on an upper section of an in particular single heat exchanger 112, the exhaust gas 110 flows through the heat exchanger 112 from above downwards, moisture of the exhaust gas condenses in the heat exchanger 112 and is captured and collected in a condensed-water collector 201 arranged under the heat exchanger 112. This condensing heater 100 also comprises a monitoring apparatus 200 which has the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water 111 in the condensed-water collector 201.

Figure 2 shows a first monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing heater 100. A second heat exchanger 105, a second deflection chamber 106 with condensed-water collector 201 designed therein and a combined combustion air line 107/exhaust gas line 108 (pipe in pipe) are represented. For example as is explained in the previous description for Figure 1, a burner 102 generates an exhaust gas 110 which then flows through a first heat exchanger 103 and a -19 -first deflection chamber 104 (these components not represented here). The exhaust gas 110 subsequently flows through the second heat exchanger 105 cooled by a fluid 101, the second deflection chamber 106 with condensed-water collector 201 designed therein, through the exhaust gas line 108 to a chimney (not represented) and into an open external environment. Combustion air 109 flows through the combustion air line 107 to a burner 102 of a connected condensing heater 100 (both not represented). The exhaust gas 110 is cooled in the second heat exchanger 105 where it transfers its heat to the fluid 101. When cooling the exhaust gas 110 in the second heat exchanger 105, water vapour contained in the exhaust gas 110 condenses and condensed water 111 results. The condensed-water collector 201 is designed downstream of the second heat exchanger 105 in the second deflection chamber 106 in the manner of a trough and/or container and has a condensed-water collector interior 202 closed by means of a wall with respect to an external environment. The condensed water 111 is, in the condensed-water collector 201, at least partially separated from the exhaust gas 110, captured, collected and drained. To this end, the condensed-water collector 201 has an exhaust gas inlet opening 203 to let in a mixture of exhaust gas 110 and condensed water 111, an exhaust gas outlet opening 204 to let out the exhaust gas 110 into the exhaust gas line 108 and a base region 205. The base region 205 is a region of the condensed-water collector 201 geodetically deep or low-lying on the -20 -condensing heater 100 set up and ready for use, in which the condensed water 111 is collected by the effect of gravity. In particular, the base region 205 is a region in the condensed-water collector interior 202. The condensed-water discharge opening 706 arranged in the base region 705 of the condensed-water collector 201 serves to drain the condensed water 111 from the condensed-water collector 201 into a condensed-water discharge line 207 (not represented). The condensed-water discharge line 207 leads, by interconnecting a siphon 208, into a general waste water collection line (both also not represented). A blockage of the condensed-water discharge opening 206, the condensed-water discharge line 207, of the siphon 208 and/or the general waste water collection line can lead to the condensed water 111 no longer being adequately drained. Condensed water 111 accumulating in the condensed-water collector 201 and not flowing out could, due to a rising condensed-water level, cause a remaining flow cross-section for the exhaust gas 110 flowing through the condensed-water collector 201 to become smaller and the exhaust gas flow to possibly become blocked. Condensed water 111 could also reach the second heat exchanger 105 or first heat exchanger 103 or to the burner 102 upstream of the exhaust gas flow. Correct operation of the condensing heater 100 would then no longer be ensured, but rather a reduction in heating performance, increased pollutant formation and/or extinguishing of a burner flame is to be expected. The monitoring -21 -apparatus 200 comprises the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water 111 in the condensed-water collector 201. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure measuring system 209 serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure measuring device 210, with the pressure measuring device 210 being directly exposed to the pressure prevailing in the base region 205 by means of an opening in the wall in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. A first measurement input 211 of the pressure measuring device 210 is connected to the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring device 210 is connected in a signal-conducting manner to a regulating device 212. The monitoring apparatus 200 is designed to switch off the connected or connectable condensing heater 100 and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry into a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system 209 exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value. This may for example be the case if the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of condensed water 111 not flowing out of the condensed-water collector 201 and/or the pressure of the exhaust gas 110 in -22 -the condensed-water collector 201 is greater than the pressure limit value.

Figure 3 shows a second monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing heater 100 in a similar basic arrangement as the first monitoring apparatus 200 from Figure 2. The second monitoring apparatus 200 comprises the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water 111 in the condensed-water collector 201.

Alternatively or additionally, the pressure measuring system 209 serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure switch 213, with a first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213 being connected to the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201 by means of a pressure signal line 214 leading into the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. For example, the pressure signal line 214 is designed as a hose and is pushed, in a sealing manner, onto a hose nozzle arranged in the wall of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure signal line 214 communicates, in a pressure-conducting manner, with the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. A further measurement input 215 of the pressure switch 213 is -23 -connected to an external environment of the condensing heater 100 (not represented) such that the pressure switch 213 detects the difference in pressures between, on the one hand, the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201 and, on the other hand, in the external environment. The pressure switch 213 comprises a switching unit 216 which is designed to identify an exceedance of a predefined pressure limit value and to trigger a switching operation. For example, the switching unit 216 can comprise an electric switch, which, in the case of falling short of the pressure limit value, closes an electric power circuit and, in the case of exceeding the pressure limit value, opens the electric power circuit. The electric power circuit can be connected to a component of the condensing heater 100 and/or to a regulating device 212 (not represented). The pressure switch 213 is connected, in a signal-conducting manner, to the regulating device 212. The monitoring apparatus 200 is designed to switch off the connected or connectable condensing heater 100 and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry into a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system 209 exceeds the predefined pressure limit value. This may tor example be the case it the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of condensed water 111 not flowing out of the condensed-water collector 201 and/or the pressure of the exhaust gas 110 in the condensed-water collector 201 is greater than the pressure limit value.

-24 -Figure 4 shows a third monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing heater 100 in a similar basic arrangement as the first or second monitoring apparatus 200 from Figures 2 and 3. The third monitoring apparatus 200 comprises the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of a condensed water level 1111 of the condensed water 111, rising due to a blockage of the condensed-water discharge opening 206, in the condensed-water collector 201. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure measuring system 209 serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure switch 213, with a first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213 being connected to the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure measuring chamber 217 arranged in the condensed-water collector 201, with the pressure measuring chamber 21/ extending along the structural height of the condensed-water collector 201 in the vertical direction. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a first opening 218 in a lower section by means of which it leads into the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a second opening 219 in an upper section via which it is connected to the first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213. The second opening 219 is connected by means of a pressure signal line 214 to the first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213. A further measurement input 215 of the pressure switch 213 is connected to an external environment of the condensing heater 100 (not represented). The pressure switch 213 detects the difference in the pressures between, on the one hand, the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201 and, on the other hand, the external environment. The cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber 217 is many times greater than the cross-section of the pressure signal line 214. In the case of a rising condensed-water level 1111, condensed water 111 enters via the first opening 218 into the pressure measuring chamber 217 and, due to its larger cross-section, a relatively large exhaust gas or air volume is displaced in the pressure measuring chamber 217 and is pushed through the pressure measuring chamber 217 and the pressure signal line 214 in the direction of the pressure switch 213.

Due to this volume effect, the pressure switch 213 reacts more quickly and reliably to non-outflowing condensed water 111. Owing to the larger cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber 217, the first opening 218 can also be designed to be larger. This has the advantage that the first opening 216 cannot be blocked that quickly whereby the monitoring process is more reliable. The -26 -pressure measuring chamber 217 is formed by an immersion pipe 220 immersed in the condensed-water collector 201. Such an immersion pipe 220 can be easily removed and if necessary replaced in the case of maintenance or damage. A further measurement input 215 of the pressure switch 213 is connected to the external environment of the condensing heater 100.

Figure 5 shows a fourth monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing heater 100 in a similar basic arrangement as the first, second and third monitoring apparatus 200 from the previously described figures. The second opening 219 of the pressure measuring chamber 217 is connected by means of a pressure signal line 214 to the first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213. Unlike Figure 4, a further measurement input 215 of the pressure switch 213 is connected in Figure 5 to the combustion air line 107 of the condensing heater 100 (not represented). The pressure switch 213 detects the difference in pressures between, on the one hand, the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201 and, on the other hand, the combustion air line 107. Therefore, the monitoring apparatus 200 is qualified to detect both an excessively high pressure in the base region 205 ot the condensed-water collector 201 and an excessively low pressure in the combustion air line 107. The monitoring apparatus 200 can identify the following three cases of improper operation of the condensing heater 100: (a) a non-outflowing or -27 -delayed-outflowing condensed water 111, for example due to a blocked condensed-water discharge opening 206 since the fluid column 1111 of the condensed water 111 exerts a hydrostatic overpressure on the first measurement input 211, (b) a non-outflowing or delayed-outflowing exhaust gas 110, for example owing to a blocked exhaust gas line 108, since the (blown-out) exhaust gas 108 assisted by the blower exerts an overpressure on the first measurement input 211 and (c) a non-inflowing or delayed-inflowing combustion air 109, for example owing to a blocked combustion air line 107, since the (suctioned) combustion air 109 assisted by the blower exerts a negative pressure on the second measurement input 215.

Figure 6 schematically shows an alternatively-structured condensing heater 100 with a fifth monitoring apparatus 200. In the case of the alternatively-structured condensing heater 100, the burner 102 is arranged with blower (not represented) on an upper section of a single heat exchanger 112. The exhaust gas 110 flows through the heat exchanger 112 cooled by a fluid 101 from above downwards, moisture of the exhaust gas 110 condenses in the heat exchanger 112 and is captured and collected in a condensed-water collector 201 arranged under the heat exchanger 112. The condensed water 111 can discharge into a condensed-water discharge line 207 through a condensed-water discharge opening 206 arranged in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The base -28 -region 205 has a lower inclination to the horizontal, whereby discharging of the condensed water 111 is favoured. The exhaust gas 110 flows through the condensed-water collector 201 and the exhaust gas line 108 to an outlet into the open external environment. The condensing heater 100 comprises a monitoring apparatus 200 which has the condensed-water collector 201 and a pressure measuring system 209, with the pressure measuring system 209 serving at least to monitor a pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201, in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water 111 in the condensed-water collector 201.

Alternatively or additionally, the pressure measuring system 209 serves to monitor an exhaust gas pressure measured in the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure switch 213, with a first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213 being connected to the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure measuring chamber 217 arranged in the condensed-water collector 201, with the pressure measuring chamber 217 extending along a structural height of the condensed-water collector 201 in the vertical direction. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a first opening 218 in a lower section by means of which it leads into the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a second opening 219 in -29 -an upper section via which it is connected to a first measurement input 211 of the pressure switch 213 and namely by means of a pressure signal line 214. A cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber 217 is many times greater than a cross-section of the pressure signal line 214 connecting the pressure measuring chamber 217 to the pressure switch 213, whereby the previously explained volume effect results. The volume effect states that even a relatively low rising condensed-water level 1111 displaces a relatively large volume, in particular an exhaust gas or air volume, from the pressure measuring chamber 217 through the pressure signal line 214 to the pressure switch 213, where the rising condensed-water level 1111 is reliably identified. The pressure measuring chamber 217 is formed by an immersion pipe 220 immersed in the condensed-water collector 201. The monitoring apparatus 200 is designed to switch off the condensing heater 100 and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry into a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system 209 exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value. The advantage of this condensing heater 100 is dispensing with a second heat exchanger and the compact overall structure that is possible as a result. The condensed-water collector 201 has a base region 205 that is horizontally relatively extensively elongated on which dirt particles may settle without the condensed-water discharge opening 206 being blocked. If such a blockage still occurs, -30 -this is then reliably identified by the monitoring apparatus 200. The condensing heater 100 will respond to this appropriately by switching off, warning and/or recording data.

Figure 7 shows a sixth monitoring apparatus 200 for a condensing heater 100 in a similar basic arrangement as the fifth monitoring apparatus from Figure 6. The pressure measuring system 209 comprises a pressure measuring chamber 217 arranged outside the condensed-water collector 201 which extends at least partially along a structural height of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a first opening 218 in a lower section by means of which the pressure measuring chamber 217 leads into the base region 205 of the condensed-water collector 201. The pressure measuring chamber 217 has a second opening 219 in an upper section via which the pressure measuring chamber 217 is connected to a first measurement input 211 of a pressure switch 213 and namely by means of a pressure signal line 214. A cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber 217 is many times greater than a cross- section of the pressure signal line 214. A cross-section of the first opening 218 is designed to be relatively large such that the first opening 218 can rarely become blocked. The vertical alignment of the first opening 218 also contributes to the difficulty of becoming blocked since dirt particles, owing to their weight, remain on the base of the condensed-water collector 201. The -31 -pressure measuring chamber 217 is designed in one piece with the condensed-water collector 201. For example, the condensed-water collector 201 and pressure measuring chamber 217 are cast together in one casting mould or injection-moulded together in one injection mould or -blown together in one blow mould. The monitoring apparatus 200 is designed to switch off the condensing heater 100 and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry into a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system 209 exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value.

Claims

-32 -Claims 1. Monitoring apparatus (200) for a condensing heater (100), comprising a condensed-water collector (201) to capture and drain condensed water (111) with * an exhaust gas inlet opening (203) to let in a mixture of exhaust gas (110) and condensed water (111) from a heat exchanger (105, 112), * an exhaust gas outlet opening (204) to let out exhaust gas (110) into an exhaust gas line (108) and * a condensed-water discharge opening (206) arranged in a base region (205) of the condensed-water collector (201) to discharge the condensed water (111) into a condensed-water discharge line (207), characterised by a pressure measuring system (209) to monitor a pressure measured in the base region (205) of the condensed-water collector (201), in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of the condensed water (111) in the condensed-water collector (201).
2. Monitoring 1, characterised system (209) device (210) apparatus (200) according to claim in that the pressure measuring comprises a pressure measuring and/or a pressure switch (213), -33 -wherein a first measuring input (211) of the pressure measuring device (210) and/or of the pressure switch (213) is connected to the base region (205) of the condensed-water collector (201), in particular via a pressure signal line (214) leading into the base region (205) of the condensed-water collector (201).
3. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pressure measuring system (209) comprises a pressure measuring chamber (217) arranged in or on the condensed-water collector (201), wherein the pressure measuring chamber (217) extends at least partially along a structural height of the condensed-water collector (201), wherein the pressure measuring chamber (217) has a first opening (218) in a lower section, wherein the pressure measuring chamber (217) has a second opening (219) in an upper section, via which the pressure measuring chamber (217) is connected to a first measurement input (211) of the pressure measuring device (210) and/or of the pressure switch (213).
4. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to ciaim 3, characterised in that a cross-section of the pressure measuring chamber (217) is larger, preferably at least ten times larger, in particular at least thirty times larger, than a -34 -cross-section of a pressure signal line (214) connecting the pressure measuring chamber (217) to the pressure measuring device (210) and/ the pressure switch (213).
5. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the pressure signal line (214) and/or the pressure measuring chamber (217) is formed by an immersion pipe (220) immersed in the condensed-water collector (201).
6. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to claim 3 Or 4, characterised in that the pressure signal line (214) and/or the pressure measuring chamber (217) is designed at least partially in one piece with the condensed-water collector (201).
7. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that a further measurement input (215) of the pressure measuring device (210) and/or of the pressure switch (213) is connected to an external environment of the condensing heater (100).
6. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that a further measurement input (215) of the pressure measuring device (210) and/or of the pressure switch (213) is connected to a combustion air line (107) of the condensing heater (100).
9. Monitoring apparatus (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is designed to switch off the condensing heater (100) and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry in a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system (209) exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value.
10. Condensing heater (100) to heat at least one space and/or at least one fluid, characterised by a monitoring apparatus (203) in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, * with a pressure measuring system (209) to monitor a pressure measured in a base region (205) of a condensed-water collector (201), in particular a hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column of condensed water (111) in the condensed-water collector (201).
11. Condensing heater (100) according to claim 10, characterised in that the pressure measuring system (209) comprises a pressure signal line (214) and/or a pressure measuring chamber (217), wherein the pressure signal line (214) and/or the pressure measuring chamber (217) is formed -36 -by an immersion pipe (220) immersed in the condensed-water collector (201).
12. Condensing heater (100) according to claim 10, characterised in that the pressure measuring system (209) comprises a pressure signal line (214) and/or a pressure measuring chamber (217), wherein the pressure signal line (214) and/or the pressure measuring chamber (217) is designed at least partially in one piece with the condensed-water collector (201).
13. Condensing heater (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that it is designed to switch itself off and/or to output a warning notification and/or to write a log entry in a memory if a pressure value of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring system (209) exceeds a predefinable pressure limit value.