PT1554525E - Device for producing, storing, and supplying heat to an area to be heated - Google Patents

Description

1

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a device for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated. The invention relates to a device for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated.

Devices of this type, such as a conventional fireplace, are generally known. This type of device includes a casing made of refractory material, for example clay, which encloses and delimits a combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, the heating medium to be used, for example fuel oil or wood, is burned, producing heat. Then, if necessary after a (brief) storage, these devices provide this heat to a space to heat. FR 2,052,009 discloses a device of this type fueled with gas and air for the production, storage and supply of heat to a space to be heated. Further, DE 43 29 726 C 2 describes a fireplace coated with refractory clay stones. This fireplace works through a gas burner. A cutting device is mounted between the gas burner and the fan connection. This cutting device can be driven electronically by a control motor so that the fresh air flow can be interrupted in the event of stopping the gas burner. An opening is provided in the wall which can be closed by means of a preheating cap. The preheating cap can be opened and closed by means of a second regulating motor. Further, the document CH 467 discloses a gas heater with ventilation with a refractory element for heat storage. The enclosure delimiting the combustion chamber has an outer casing in cast iron and includes plates in refractory material for heat storage. Also US-PS 2,542,124 describes a heating device with a device for combustion of liquid fuel, such as gasoline or oil. The liquid fuel is conveyed to the combustion device through a conduit. This conduit is inserted into a tube with a slightly larger diameter. One end of the pipe empties into the combustion chamber beneath the combustion device. The other end extends until it is under the base of the heating device. These ends are kept open in order to connect the combustion chamber to the atmosphere. Lastly, FR 1,448,343 describes a combustion device in the form of a gas burner, to which combustion chamber it is possible to access at least partially from the outside, through an opening or the like, wherein the aperture can be closed through a transparent door.

In fact, devices of this type have proved to be proportionally disadvantageous in practice. On the one hand, the exhaust gases produced generally have temperatures of 100 ° C or more, which gives rise to large losses of heat. Another resultant aspect of this in the devices of this type 3 is the additional need to provide a minimum diameter of 200 mm for the chimney and / or exhaust pipe, which will necessarily increase the dimensions of these devices, considerably limiting the possibility of application in locations with space. Likewise, active measures are required for cooling the exhaust air and / or the exhaust gases. On the other hand, the combustion chamber is not closed in relation to the combustion material to be used, so it is not possible to maintain constant combustion characteristics and temperature profiles. Another aspect resulting here is that these devices generally have a degree of effectiveness of only about 60%. Consequently, the use of these devices is associated with particularly high costs. Finally, devices of this type are generally composed of a variety of components and are fixedly installed. As such, the possibility of transporting them is excluded.

Further, EP-A1-0 641 974 describes as closest to the state of the art a device for producing, storing and delivering heat to a space to be heated which includes a casing in refractory material surrounding and delimiting a combustion chamber , constructed of refractory clay, a combustion device fed by a gas / air mixture, arranged in the combustion chamber, and an exhaust pipe. According to GB-A-823469, the exhaust pipe is installed in the lower part of the combustion chamber. The gas burner described in US-A1-4,639,213 is shown as a gas radiant burner with a combustion medium composed of a homogeneous and permeable interlaced structure. The application of a device for automatic regulation of the gas / air mixture is known, for example, from EP-A1-0 036 364. In addition, the device described in GB-A-823,469 has a substantially horizontal plate extending through or parallel to a plane formed by the combustion means in the zone of the base of the combustion chamber to form a space through which the second air feed tube and the gas / air ratio setting device can communicate. Finally, the exhaust pipe of the device described in US-A1-5,479,916 is further associated with a prevailing vacuum enhancement device. The present invention has the object of providing a device for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated, with which it is possible to avoid the disadvantages listed above, demonstrating a high degree of efficiency and at the same time very low operating costs , so as to reduce as much as possible the temperature of the exhaust gases, thereby avoiding large heat losses, allowing a considerable reduction in the diameter of the exhaust pipe, thus increasing the possibilities of use, and having a particularly simple, compact, stable construction and at the same time transportable.

This object is achieved in a surprisingly simple manner by the features of claim 1.

Thus, by developing the device according to the invention for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated with the features of claim 1, it is possible to obtain a device with a high degree of efficiency and / or efficiency, associated with considerably reduced user costs. Simultaneously, the device according to the invention enables the exhaust gas temperatures to be reduced to about half the temperature of conventional devices. The fact that the combustion chamber is closed and / or almost isolated in relation to the gas / air mixture transported and burned in the combustion device, there is no possibility of any further combustion in the combustion chamber. Thus, it is possible to safely prevent an increase in the flame temperature and a decrease in efficiency due to the considerable increase in the temperature profile of the exhaust air and / or the exhaust gases. A factor of particular importance for a simple and simultaneously variable use of the device according to the invention are the technical features which enable the combustion device to be provided with a device for automatically regulating the gas / air ratio of the gas / air mixture for combustion. Preferably, the combustion device further comprises a fully pre-mixed gas radiant burner to which a combustion medium with a homogeneous and permeable interlaced structure is associated. The radiant gas burner, which functions as an injection burner, and the combustion medium, which radiates infrared and / or burns in the form of a mat and / or ceramic plate, contributes in an assembly to an extremely profitable construction of the device according to the invention. Thanks to the large surface area of the combustion medium, a wide and well-distributed heat transfer is possible. Consequently, the use of the device is extraordinarily cost-effective. In this way, the device according to the invention allows to avoid large heat losses and the need for a larger diameter for the respective chimney or exhaust pipe. Only this latter advantage already creates better and more varied possibilities of application of the device according to the invention. Thus, a separate connection to the chimney can be avoided altogether. Finally, the device according to the invention has a very simple, compact and stable construction, still allowing its movement from one side to another. In this sense, it is possible to move the device from one place to another and put it back into operation without incurring major expenses.

Other advantageous features of the device according to the invention are described in claims 2 to 27.

Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the radiant gas burner according to claim 2 has a compartment in the upper part of which the combustion medium is arranged facing the combustion chamber and into which the device for automatically regulating the gas ratio air from the gas / air mixture for combustion.

According to the features of claim 3, the combustion medium is made of ceramic. Preferably, the combustion medium is manufactured from ceramic fibers, especially coated with silicon carbide and welded together. The combustion medium is extremely efficient and forms a stable and independent interlaced structure. Complete radiation is obtained only a few seconds after ignition. When the combustion device is switched off, the radiation ends. Surface cools immediately. In this way, prolonged preheating prior to ignition and the production of waste heat are avoided. In addition, precise and optimized control is ensured. The homogeneous interlaced structure provides uniform and yet economical radiation. Finally, this type of interlaced structure has a long service life.

In a particularly advantageous configuration of the invention, the enclosure delimiting the combustion chamber may, in addition to being constructed in a refractory material according to claim 4, further be provided with an outer coating.

In this context, the technical features of claims 5 to 8 are of particular interest, in particular the fact that the visible transparent coating is at least partially formed by stone, especially natural stone, preferably marble, granite or steatite and / or artificial stone, ceramic , glass or refractory metal, especially cast steel, structural steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof and / or a combination thereof. If necessary, the rear part, the enclosure delimiting the combustion chamber and / or the rear outer shell work as thermal insulation, ie they are composed of thermal insulation material, for example refractory clay slabs. The fact that the casing in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber according to the features of claim 9 is housed and supported by a frame enables a particularly simple, compact and stable construction which, moreover, once installed, allows the disassembly of the device according to the invention, the respective transport and subsequent assembly in another place without incurring in greater expenses.

Within the scope of the invention, the frame according to claim 10 has a lower element, angular longitudinal support elements joined by the corners to the lower member and a peripheral upper member attached to the longitudinal support members and adapted substantially to the base surface of the lower member .

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further provides that the frame according to claim 11 is preferably made of steel, especially corrosion resistant steel, preferably Niroste type stainless steel. Thus, the frame and hence the entire device according to the invention are highly resistant and are not, for example, affected by the formation of condensation water in the combustion chamber. 9

Suitably, the first gas feed pipe according to claim 12 may be opened and closed at least through one, in particular two valves, preferably electromagnetic valves.

For precise regulation of the temperature in the space to be heated on one side and / or the heating cycle on the other, the first gas transporting feed pipe according to the features of claim 13 can be driven by a temperature sensor and or a timer installed in the space to be heated, operating in conjunction with a control device.

In practice, according to claim 14, a diameter of between 4 and 12 mm, especially 8 mm, has been found to be advantageous for the first gas feed tube.

According to claim 15, the second air transport feed tube communicates directly with the space to be heated. Alternatively, and from a merely constructive point of view, it is possible that the second air feed tube may also preferably be introduced through a wall of the space to be heated and maintain a connection with the outer environment of said space.

According to claim 16, the second air feed tube has a diameter of approximately 20 to 40 mm, in particular 30 mm. 10

In order to simplify the handling of the device according to the invention, the features of claim 17, according to which the gas radiant burner is associated with an ignition electrode, a piezoelectric igniter or the like that allows to light up simply and simultaneously the gas / air mixture for driving the device according to the invention is reliable.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, the gas radiant burner according to claim 18 is associated with a thermal element acting in conjunction with at least one of the valves in the first gas feed pipe for the respective opening and close. In this way, it is possible to obtain a device for extremely safe production, storage and heat supply. Namely, in case the flame of the combustion device is switched off, the transport of gas to the combustion device is automatically interrupted and the gas supply is completely cut off. According to claim 19, the thermal element is associated with the ignition electrode or the piezo ignition device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the exhaust pipe according to claim 20 is installed at the rear of the combustion chamber, especially at the respective rear face thereof.

Given the overall constructive configuration of the device according to the invention, it is not necessarily necessary that the exhaust pipe according to claim 21 is associated with a device for draining the condensation water. However, this type of device contributes to a continuous improvement of the device according to the invention.

According to claim 22, there is preferably provided in the exhaust pipe a prevailing vacuum enhancement apparatus including a housing with an aperture through which the feed air can be transported and / or withdrawn from the space to be heated to the delivery tube. exhaustion.

Based on the features of claim 23, mounting the exhaust pipe at a slight distance from the base of the combustion chamber ensures that, for example, condensation water formed by very specific operating conditions can not exit the exhaust pipe. The condensation water thus formed is instead collected at the base of the exhaust duct and / or the combustion chamber and dissolved until the next set up of the device according to the invention.

Of particular interest for an extremely high degree of efficiency and / or efficiency of the device according to the invention are the features of claim 24, according to which the exhaust pipe is vertically mounted, about 150 mm to 350 mm, especially about 240 mm above the plane formed by the surface of the combustion medium. In this way it is ensured that the air and / or the gas carried by the exhaust pipe has a temperature of about 30øC up to a maximum of about 50øC, this without additional cooling measures, for example through a active cooling circuit by water, etc. Therefore heat losses and thus the decrease in the degree of efficiency observed in conventional devices of this type are excluded.

Of particular importance are the features of claim 25, wherein the exhaust pipe communicates with the outside environment of the space to be heated. In part due to the type of construction and operation of the device according to the invention which allows a smaller exhaust pipe, no special chimney or any other constructive measures are required to connect the exhaust pipe to a chimney.

According to the features of claim 26, the second supply pipe and the exhaust pipe have, at their respective ends, a wind protection device or the like.

Finally, and still within the scope of the invention, it is possible to access, at least partially from the outside, the combustion chamber according to claim 27 through an aperture or the like, which aperture may be hermetically closed through a a closure device, especially transparent, or a window and / or similar door. This opening may be used for repair, maintenance or other overhaul work on the fuel device installed in the combustion chamber. 13

Other features, advantages and particularities of the invention may be elucidated by the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and based on the drawings.

These are presented:

Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned side view of an embodiment of a device created in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention in the direction of line II-II of Fig. 1, without illustration of a plate according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention in the direction of line III of Fig. 1, with illustration of a plate according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention in the direction of the arrow IV in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a partially sectioned side view of one embodiment of a frame according to the invention of the device according to Figures 14 to 4;

Fig. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of the frame according to the invention according to Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a partially sectioned cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the frame in the direction of line VII-VII of Fig. 6, with enlargement;

Fig. 8A to 8D is a side view, a top view and a front view of an embodiment of a combustion device according to the invention according to Figs. 1 to 7, with enlargement; Fig.

Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a device for driving the device according to the invention;

10A and 10B is a top view and an unfolding of a device according to the invention for increasing the prevailing vacuum in the exhaust pipe;

Fig. 11 is a partially sectioned side view of another embodiment of a device created in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention in the direction of line XII-XII of Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a front view of the embodiment of the device according to the invention in the direction of arrow XIII of Fig.

In the description which follows of the embodiments of the device according to the invention for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated, the corresponding identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the device according to the invention for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated (not shown) includes a combustion chamber 12, which is enclosed and delimited by a casing 14 in refractory material. The casing 14 in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber 12, preferably with heat storage characteristics, is, in the exemplary embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, constructed of clay, concrete, ceramic, clay or steatite and / or a combination of these materials. Each of these stones has a thickness of about 3 cm, so as to be able to evenly distribute the heat produced in the combustion chamber 12, then collect and store it and, finally, provide it to the space to be heated through outside.

Instead of constructing the shell 14 with individual stones 16, it is also possible to construct the shell 14, for example, in clay mortar mixed with silicate, which allows to obtain a shell 14 composed of a single piece.

In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, there exists in the region of the base of the combustion chamber 12 a plate 16 or the like extending substantially horizontally. This plate 16 corresponds to a kind of cover plate, for example a circular plate in corrosion resistant steel, such as stainless steel of the Nirosta type. The plate 16, which will be described in more detail below, separates the combustion chamber 12 itself, in the area of the base of the combustion chamber 12, from a space 18 situated thereunder.

In addition, the casing 14 in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber 12 has an outer coating 20. The outer coating 20 is composed in part of stone slabs, especially natural stone such as marble, granite or steatite and / or stone artificial, ceramic, glass or refractory metal, especially cast steel, structural steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof and / or a combination thereof. The outer coating 20 can be individually adapted according to the customer's wishes and / or needs. Thus, it is possible to simply and variedly configure the appearance and exterior appearance of the device 10.

Preferably, the outer coating 20, always visible, is composed of said plates. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is the front part 22 and the two side faces 24, 26 of the device 10.

As can be seen, in particular from Fig. 2, the outer covering 20 may optionally be constructed, at least in part, with a thermal insulation. Especially, the outer coating 20 of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is composed of thermal insulation material 30 on the rear face 28 of the device 10. In this way, a heat transfer through the rear face 28 of the device 10 is prevented. The thermal insulation material 30 is covered by a rear wall 32, for example in galvanized sheet. On the one hand, the rear wall 32 functions as a support for the thermal insulation material 30 and, on the other hand, prevents mechanical damage to the thermal insulation material 30 caused by external influences.

Alternatively, the rear shell 14 delimiting the combustion chamber 12 may also be constructed of refractory clay or the like, in the form of slabs.

Although without individual illustration, it is, however, possible for the outer coating 20 to be constructed as a whole on stone slabs, especially granite, ceramic or metal, preferably cast steel, structural steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof and or a combination thereof, i.e., without additional thermal insulation.

According to Figures 5 to 7, the casing 14 in refractory material 18 delimiting the combustion chamber 12 is housed and supported by a frame 34. Thus, each of the clay stones is placed in the fixed frame 34 and, finally, sealed with clay. All the outer shell plates 20 are pre-positioned and then also supported by the frame 34. The frame 34 confers a high reinforcement to the device 10 according to the invention. This type of construction has the advantage of allowing extremely simple transport of the device 10. The frame 34 is composed of a lower element 36, four longitudinal support elements 38 and an upper element 40. The longitudinal support elements 38 are angular, or are rectangular in the illustrated embodiment, and are joined by the corners to the lower member 36, for example through a threaded joint or weld. The upper member 40 is adapted substantially to the base surface of the lower member 36 and has a peripheral configuration. The upper member 40 is also attached to the longitudinal support members 38. As shown in Fig. 7, for this purpose, retaining plates 42 are attached to the longitudinal support members 38, with which the upper member 40 is aligned, be fixed with screws 44. The upper outer covering 20, in the form of a cover plate or the like, is finally placed on the upper member 40 and, if necessary, secured and / or locked against possible displacements. This can be achieved, for example, by bonding with mortar of clay, etc. The frame 34 is preferably constructed of steel, especially corrosion resistant steel, such as Nirosta type stainless steel, so as to be protected against the formation of condensation water in the combustion chamber 12, etc.

Further, the device 10 according to the invention includes, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, a combustion device 46.

In this embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, the combustion device 46 is configured as a gas radiant burner 48. The gas radiant burner 48 is associated with a combustion medium 50 having a homogeneous, permeable and / or perforated or similar. The combustion means 50 is made of ceramic. Preferably, the combustion means 50 is made of ceramic fibers. The ceramic fibers are preferably coated with silicon carbide and welded together. The combustion medium 50 is extremely efficient and forms a stable and intertwined interlaced structure. Complete radiation, ie infrared radiation, is obtained only a few seconds after ignition. When the gas radiant burner 48 is turned off, the radiation is terminated. The surface of the combustion means 50 cools immediately.

As shown unambiguously in Figures 8A to 8D, the gas radiant burner 48 has a compartment 52 in the upper portion of which the combustion means 50 is disposed facing the combustion chamber 12. The gas radiant burner 48 is fed with gas through a first tube 54 and with air through a second tube 56.

To this end, the first tube 54 is, for example, connected to a gas cylinder not shown in the figure. Likewise, the first feed tube 54 may communicate with a fixed installation gas line. It is possible to use all types of gas currently available in the market. Both natural gas and propane gas are suitable, for example the natural gas supplied by Erdgas Nord, Erdgas Sud or propane gas with different pressures, etc., for driving the device 10 according to the invention.

As can be seen in the embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the second supply pipe 56 is connected to the device 10 from the outside, through a wall 58 of the space to be heated and / or the corresponding building , so as to carry sufficient air and oxygen. In the illustrated embodiment, the second feed tube 56 is introduced through the rear face 28 of the device 10 and opens into an air feed channel 60. Likewise, it is also possible to install the second feed tube 56 in order to open directly from the lower member 36 (not shown). 21

In an alternative configuration, the second air feed tube 56 may directly communicate with the space to be heated. In this case, the second feeder tube 56 provides a connection between the space 18 located under the combustion chamber 12 and the space to be heated (not shown).

According to Fig. 1, the plate 16 extends substantially horizontally in the zone of the base of the combustion chamber 12, at a level formed by the combustion means 50 or parallel thereto. The plate 16 is provided for forming the space 18. The space 18, in which the first feed tube 54 for gas transport is simultaneously installed, communicates on the one hand through the air feed channel 60 with the second feed tube 56 for air transport and, on the other hand, with a device 62 for automatic regulation of the gas / air ratio. The device 62 for automatically regulating the gas / air ratio of the gas / air mixture for combustion as a function of the heat to be produced flows into the housing 52 of the gas radiant burner 48.

In particular, the device 62 for automatic regulation of the gas / air ratio of the gas / air mixture for combustion is based on the principle of a water injection pump. In this regard, the gas transported to the gas radiant burner 48 through the first feed pipe 54 automatically entrains the air transported to the gas radiant burner 48 through the second feed pipe 56, the air feed channel 60 and space 18. In case of increase or reduction of the gas supplied, the quantity of air required according to the characteristics of the gas radiant burner 48 is automatically drawn in. On the basis of the required heat output and the corresponding gas / air ratio, the gas mixture / air is then transported to the gas radiant burner 48 and therein burned. To increase the desired heat output, more gas is transported through the first feed tube 54, which automatically sucks more air through the second feed tube 56 and vice versa. In this way, ideal combustion can be achieved. The gas radiant burner 48 corresponds almost to an injection burner. The gas radiant burner 48 preferably has a Lambda value of 1.2, thereby aspirating a total gas-air mixture of about 120%. The gas pressure is in the range of about 10 to 60 mbar. In particular, the gas pressure is 18 mbar for natural gas, 30 mbar for international propane gas or 50 mbar for propane gases used throughout the European Union, depending on the type of gas used. The combustion chamber 12 is closed, ie almost isolated from the gas / air mixture transported for combustion in the combustion device 46. Simultaneously, the combustion device 46 is configured as a gas radiant burner 48. As such, the burner The gas radiant 48 is fully premixed. Thus, ideally, the flame of the gas radiant burner 48 does not contain or has a residual amount of oxygen air transported from the combustion chamber 12. An increase in the flame temperature 23 and the predominant temperature profile in the flame combustion chamber 12. Accordingly, the exhaust air and / or the exhaust gases can be withdrawn from the combustion chamber 12 at a considerably lower temperature. Simultaneously, it is possible to maintain a fairly uniform heat distribution in the combustion chamber 12. Thus, during the operation of the device 10, an ever-uniform thermal profile of about 100 ° C to 150 ° C can be created in the upper part of the combustion chamber. while the exhaust gases have a temperature between about 30øC and a maximum of about 50øC. The temperature directly felt on the surface of the combustion medium is about 900 ° C. In part due to this fact, a very slight flow occurs in the combustion chamber 12, which further favors heat transfer. As such, the degree of effectiveness and / or performance of the device 10 according to the invention is significantly improved over conventional devices. The gas radiant burner 48 is further associated with an ignition electrode 64 for igniting the gas / air mixture. The ignition electrode 64 is connected via a conductor 66 to a transformer 68 which, in turn, can be driven via a control unit 70 and a switch (on / off) 72. The transformer 68 and the unit 70 are also installed in the space 18.

Finally, the ignition electrode 64 is further associated with a thermal element 74 or similar sensor, which acts in conjunction with at least one valve 76, especially an electromagnetic valve. In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 two of these valves 76 are included in the space 18. The valves 76 are placed in the first feed tube 54 for gas transport and serve to open and close the first feed tube 54 depending on the corresponding gas requirement.

9 shows a schematic block diagram together with the transformer 68, the control unit 70 and the on / off switch 72, for sequentially driving the ignition electrode 64 and the two valves 76. In addition, the connection circuit further comprises a temperature sensor 78 or thermostat for determining the current ambient temperature and / or a timer 80 for setting the heating / pause intervals of the device 10. The mode of operation of the gas radiant burner 48 according to the invention is briefly described below: The first gas delivery tube 54 for the gas radiant burner 48 is initially closed by the valves 76. By a (on / off) switch 72, the valves 76 are actuated and the first feed tube 54 is opened so as to allow gas flow in the gas radiant burner 48 through an injector 82. The injector 82 is integrated in the device 62. Through the device 62 for automatic regulation of the gas / air ratio of the combustion device 25 46, the fed gas entrains the air transported through the second feed tube 56 and / or existing in the space 18. The gas / air mixture arrives completely pre-mixed to the compartment 52, then circulates under the combustion medium 50 and finally through the various openings and passages of the combustion medium O LO In the upper part of the combustion medium 50, the gas / air mixture is directed to the combustion chamber 12, where the ignition is triggered by the on / off switch 72 through the ignition electrode 64. The gas / air mixture is uniformly burned. The temperature of the combustion device 46 is constantly measured by the thermal element 74. Depending on the measured temperature, the thermal element 74 controls and / or regulates the valves 76 so as to convey to the combustion device 46 the amount of gas required through the first feed tube 54. If the flame goes out, the first feed tube 54 is immediately closed by the valves 76.

In addition, the device 10 according to the invention includes an exhaust pipe 84. As can be seen especially in Figures 1 and 4, the exhaust pipe 84 is installed in the lower part 86, ie, next to the lower element 36 Exhaust pipe 84 is further disposed in the rear 88 of the combustion chamber 12 and preferably in the respective rear face 28. The heat produced by the gas radiant burner 48 is initially accumulated in the combustion chamber 12, uniform distribution of heat. The heat is then sent to the enclosure 14 of the combustion chamber 12 and introduced and / or transported therethrough and the outer coating 20 into the space to be heated. In this way, the percentage of heat transported and / or evacuated through the exhaust pipe 84 is greatly reduced. In part due to this fact, it is possible to achieve with the device 10 according to the invention a degree of efficiency of about 97% and a degree of efficiency of about 99%, i.e. a level of efficacy and / or yield more than half that of a conventional fireplace.

Simultaneously, it is ensured that the exhaust gases evacuated through the exhaust pipe 84 have a temperature between about 30øC and a maximum of 50øC, ie a temperature less than about half that of a conventional fireplace. Even so, this temperature remains sufficient to reliably prevent the formation of condensation water in the exhaust pipe 84.

According to Figs. 1 and 4, the exhaust pipe 84 is placed a short distance from the base of the combustion chamber 12. In practice, and in this context, it has proved particularly advantageous to install the exhaust pipe 84 in position vertical, at a distance H between about 150 mm and 350 mm, especially about 240 mm, above the plane formed by the surface of the combustion means 50.

In this way, it is ensured that the exhaust air and / or the exhaust gases carried by the exhaust pipe 84 continue, after the heat supply, to have a temperature of about 30 ° C, at most 50 ° C. Further, combustion in the combustion medium 50 is not influenced by the exhaust air and / or the exhaust gases.

Simultaneously, it is possible to retain the condensation water, which is formed in an unexpected manner in the combustion chamber 12 in certain circumstances, without it being able to escape together with the exhaust gases evacuated through the exhaust pipe 84. The condensation water thus formed is, instead, collected under the exhaust pipe 84, in a condensation collection vessel 90 and expelled during the next heating process. Alternatively, it is possible to install a valve 91 for draining the condensation water, according to the embodiment of the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4.

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the exhaust pipe 84 further disposes immediately after the rear face 28 of the device 10 of a vacuum-enhancing device 92 prevailing in the exhaust pipe 84. According to Figs. 10A and 10B, this device 92 has a housing 94 with an opening 96. The cross-section of the housing 94 is slightly U-shaped and has two protruding side lugs 98 which are disposed in the back of the device 10. In addition , the housing 94 further has a circular bore 100 which receives the exhaust pipe 84, which also has an aperture (not shown) in the area of the housing 94. Through the aperture 96 of the housing 94, the feed air from the space a can be conveyed to and / or sucked from the exhaust pipe 84.

Finally, the second supply pipe 56 and the exhaust pipe 84 dispose at the ends, ie outside the wall 58 of the space to be heated, a wind protection device 102 or the like. The wind protection device 102 may include, for example, baffle plates (not shown) so as to exclude any flow in the second feed tube 56, the air feed channel 60 and the spaced space 18. In this way, there is absolutely no air circulation in the space 18. The space 18 is not affected by the outside pressure. In space 18 atmospheric pressure prevails, that is, no insufficient or excessive pressure caused by the wind.

According to Figs. 1 and 4, it is possible at least partially to access the combustion chamber 12 from the outside through an aperture 104 or the like. Access to the combustion chamber and / or the radiant gas burner 48 installed in the combustion chamber 12 may be required especially for the purpose of overhaul, repair or maintenance. The opening 104 consists of a closure device 106, especially transparent, in the form of a window and / or door, which can be hermetically closed.

A further embodiment of a device 10 configured in accordance with the invention is shown in Figs. 11 to 13.

In this case, the combustion device 46 consists of a gas flow burner 48. Instead of an ignition electrode 64, the gas flow burner 48 is associated with a piezoelectric ignition device 108 for igniting the gas / air mixture . The piezoelectric ignition device 108 is connected to an ignition head 112 via a conductor 110.

In addition, the gas flow burner 48 is further equipped with a thermal element 114 which acts in conjunction with a valve 76, especially an electromagnetic valve. The valve 76 is installed in the first gas feed tube 54 and serves to open and close the first feed tube 54 in response to the need for corresponding gas. The first gas feed tube 54 for the gas flow burner 48 is initially closed by the valve 76. By the regulator 116, which drives the valve 76, the first feed tube 54 is opened, so that the gas can flow to the gas flow burner 48. Depending on the measured temperature, the thermal element 114 controls and / or regulates the valve 76 so that the gas flow burner 48 can receive the required amount of gas through the first tube If the flame goes out, the first feed tube 54 is immediately closed by the valve 76.

Another difference between the embodiment of the device 10 according to Figures 11 to 14 and the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 is the installation of an air supply channel 118. In this case, the exhaust pipe 84 communicates with the combustion chamber 12 in the upper zone 120 of the combustion chamber 12 through an aperture 122 of the air feed channel 118 which extends into the combustion chamber 12. The air feed channel 118 has a length equal to or greater than half the height of the combustion chamber 12. Preferably the length of the air feed channel 118 corresponds to about 3/4 to about 9/10 of the height of the combustion chamber 12. The feed channel of air 118 is suitably composed of a portion of the combustion chamber 12, in particular by the respective rear face thereof. Thus, the cross section of the air feed channel 86 is slightly U-shaped and has two protruding side lugs which are fixed in the housing 14 in refractory material. The air feed channel 118 is also made of corrosion resistant steel, especially Nirosta type stainless steel, in order to prevent rust formation in the combustion chamber 12. As to the operation of the device 10 according to the invention, it has been shown A relationship between the transverse face of the air feed channel 118 and the transverse face of the exhaust pipe equivalent to about 5: 2 to 2: 1 is particularly advantageous in terms of fluid dynamics.

Example

In practice, the device 10 according to the invention has proved to be surprisingly simple and particularly advantageous. The device 10 according to the invention may, for example, have the following dimensions and characteristics:

The outer dimensions of the device are approximately 1000 mm x 740 mm x 740 mm. The casing 14 is composed of a 34 mm thick refractory material, for example clay, and an outer coating 20 with a thickness of 10 mm. The longitudinal support members 38 of the frame 30 have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The combustion device 46 has a combustion power of about 1.0 kW to about 3.5 kW, especially about 1.5 kW to 2 kW. The first gas feed tube 54 has a diameter of 8 mm, but may also vary in a range of about 4 to 12 mm. The second feed tube 56 for air transport has a diameter of 34 mm, but may also vary in a range of about 20 to 40 mm. The exhaust pipe 84 has a diameter of 50 mm. The effectiveness level of the device 10 according to the invention is about 97% and the level of efficiency (due to the heat accumulator) of about 99%. The temperature in the combustion chamber 12 thus presents a uniformly distributed thermal profile, of about 100 to about 150 ° C. The temperature of the exhaust gases evacuated through the exhaust pipe 84 is about 30 ° C to 50 ° C, preferably 35 ° C to 40 ° C. The CO2 content is about 4.7%.

It has proved extremely economical to operate the combustion device 46 with and / or at a heat output of between about 1.5 kW and about 2 kW, inclusive. During a heating period of almost 12 hours, the heat supply by virtue of the accumulation of heat by the device 10 according to the invention 32 is extended by a further 6 hours.

Accordingly, the device 10 according to the invention corresponds to a gas heating device with a heat accumulator, the configuration of which is simple, compact and reliable and which, thanks to a specially constructed exhaust system, ensures that the heat remains in the device 10 and is not eliminated by the chimney and / or fan, as in a conventional fireplace. The level of effectiveness and / or performance of the device 10 according to the invention is extremely high. Accordingly, the device 10 according to the invention has reduced running costs. In part due to the specific construction and operation of the device 10 according to the invention, it is possible to advantageously combine the characteristics of a conventional hearth in terms of heat radiation with the characteristics of a so-called outdoor wall-mounted boiler. Due to the small dimensions of the exhaust pipe 78, the device 10 according to the invention does not require the installation of a separate chimney. On the contrary, the device 10 can be oriented outwards, without major expense, through a wall of the space to be heated, like an outdoor wall-mounted boiler of the same type. Finally, the device 10 according to the invention can be transported at any time and to any place thanks to the respective frame 30.

Lisbon, 04/19/2007

Claims (27)

A device for producing, storing and supplying heat to a space to be heated comprising a combustion chamber (12) enclosed and delimited by a casing (14) in refractory material constructed of clay, concrete, ceramic, a combustion device 46 disposed in the combustion chamber 12 fed by a gas / air mixture and an exhaust pipe 84 disposed in the lower portion 80 of the combustion chamber 12, , the combustion chamber (12) being closed in relation to the gas / air mixture which will be transported and burned in the combustion device (46) and that the combustion device (46) is configured as a gas radiant burner (48). ) completely pre-mixed with a combustion medium (50) composed of a homogeneous and permeable interlaced structure or the like, the gas radiant burner (48) having a device (62) for automatic regulation of the gas ratio of the gas / air mixture for combustion, which is based on the principle of a water injection pump, so that the gas transported to the gas radiant burner (48) through a first feed pipe (54) ) entrain the air conveyed to the gas radiant burner (48) through a second feed tube (56), the device having a substantially horizontal plate (16) or the like extending through or parallel to a plane formed in the combustion medium in the zone of the base of the combustion chamber (12) to form a space (18) through which the second air feed tube (56) and the automatic regulating device (62) of the gas / air ratio can be communicated, a vacuum-enhancing device (92) therein being further installed in the exhaust pipe (84). A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas radiant burner (48) has a compartment (52) in the upper part of which the combustion means (50) is arranged facing the combustion chamber (12) and in which the device (62) opens for automatic regulation of the gas / air ratio of the gas / air mixture for combustion. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the combustion medium (50) is made of ceramic, in particular ceramic fibers, which are preferably coated with silicon carbide and welded together. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the casing (14) in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber (12) has an outer coating (20). Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer coating (20) is formed at least partly by stone, especially natural stone, preferably marble, granite or steatite and / or artificial stone, ceramic, glass or refractory metal, especially cast steel, structural steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof and / or a combination thereof. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer shell (20) consists of stone slabs, especially natural stone, preferably marble, granite or steatite and / or artificial stone, ceramic, glass or metal especially cast steel, structural steel, aluminum or an alloy thereof and / or a combination thereof. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the casing (14) in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber (12) and / or the outer coating (20) disposes at least partially of thermal insulation. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the casing (14) in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber (12) and / or the outer coating (20) is composed in the rear by material of thermal insulation (26), especially by refractory clay. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the casing (14) in refractory material delimiting the combustion chamber (12) is housed and supported by a frame (34). A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the frame (34) is composed of a lower member (36), angular longitudinal support elements (38) joined by the corners to the lower member (36) and an element (40) attached to the longitudinal support members (38) and adapted substantially to the base surface of the lower member (36). A device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the frame (34) is made of steel, in particular corrosion resistant steel, preferably Nirosta type stainless steel. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first feed pipe (54) for gas transport can be opened and closed through at least one, but especially two, valves (76), preferably valves electromagnetic fields. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first feed pipe (54) for gas transport can be driven by means of a temperature sensor (78) and / or a timer (80) which can be installed in the space to be heated. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first feed pipe (54) for gas transport has a diameter 5 of between about 4 to 12 mm, in particular 8 mm. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second supply pipe (56) for air transport communicates with the space to be heated or with the external environment of said space. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the second feed pipe (56) for air supply has a diameter of between about 20 and 40 mm, in particular 30 mm. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the gas radiant burner (48) is associated with an ignition electrode (64), a piezo igniter (108) or the like for igniting the mixture gas / air. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the gas radiant burner (48) is associated with a heat element (74) acting in conjunction with the one of the opening and closing valves (76) of the first gas feed tube (54) installed in the first gas feed tube (54). Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the thermal element (74) is associated with the ignition electrode (64) or the piezoelectric ignition device (108). 6 Device according to one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the exhaust pipe (84) is installed in the rear part (88) of the combustion chamber (12), in particular in the respective rear face (28). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the exhaust pipe (84) is provided with a device (90) for flowing condensation water. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the vacuum-increasing device (92) prevailing in the exhaust pipe comprises a housing (94) with an aperture (96) through which the supply air from the space to be heated can be transported and / or sucked from the exhaust pipe (84). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the exhaust pipe (84) is placed a short distance from the base of the combustion chamber (12). Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the exhaust pipe (84) is installed vertically at a distance of between about 150 mm and 350 mm, in particular about 240 mm, above the plane formed by surface of the combustion medium (50). 7 Device according to one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the exhaust pipe (84) communicates with the outside environment of the space to be heated. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the second feed tube (56) and the exhaust pipe (84) have, at their respective ends, a wind protection device (102) or similar. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 26, characterized in that at least partly from the outside it is possible to access the combustion chamber (12) through an opening (104) or the like, opening 104 may be hermetically sealed by a particularly transparent closure device 106, or a similar window and / or door. Lisbon, 19/04/2007 1/11 Fig. 1 II, 111 20 14 60 90 2/11 CM 00 3/11 CM 4/11 Fig. 10 72 40 5/11 Fig. 5 6/11 Fig. 6 7/11 8/11 70 76 Fig. 10A 100 9/11 Fig. 11 116 114 46 110 108 10/11 co 118 oo 11/11