WO2021110791A1

WO2021110791A1 - Water distribution system

Info

Publication number: WO2021110791A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/084364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Saravanane MARECHAL
Original assignee: Marechal Paul Saravanane
Priority date: 2019-12-03
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Also published as: FR3103836A1; FR3103836B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a water distribution system (100) in at least one building (400) comprising at least: a. A mixer (130) configured to mix a first stream of water at a first temperature with a second stream of water at a second temperature, the mixer (130) comprising a first water inlet (130a) intended for being connected to a first supply source (110) of water at the first temperature via a first pipe (111), a second water inlet (130b) intended for being connected to a second water supply source (120) at the second temperature via a second pipe (121), and at least one outlet (130c) of mixed water at a third temperature, the mixed water outlet (130c) being intended for being connected via a third pipe (131) to at least one water distribution device (140); b. A water pumping device (220) connected to the third pipe (131).

Description

"Water distribution system"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of water distribution in buildings, usually qualified by ECS, acronym of Sanitary Hot Water. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of energy recovery in water distribution systems.

STATE OF THE ART

Today, the water supply in buildings is mainly made up of two circuits. A first so-called cold water circuit supplies the majority of the sanitary installations of the said building, generally the taps, sinks, showers, toilets, household appliances. A second so-called hot water circuit supplies only part of the sanitary facilities of the said building, generally the taps, sinks, showers.

Usually, simply using these two circuits will waste water and energy.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution to at least one of these problems.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a water distribution system in at least one building comprising at least: a. A mixer comprising at least: i. a first water inlet intended to be connected, via a first pipe, to a first water supply source having a first temperature, ii. a second water inlet intended to be connected, via a second pipe, to a second water supply source having a second temperature, and iii. at least one mixed water outlet, configured to be connected, via a third pipe, to at least one outlet of a device for distributing water to a user; iv. the mixer being configured to mix a first stream of water arriving through the first inlet, with a second stream of water arriving through the second inlet, so as to provide mixed water through the outlet, the second temperature being higher at the first temperature, b. A first solenoid valve configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water through the first inlet, c. A second solenoid valve configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water through the second inlet, d. An electronic processing unit configured to drive at least the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve; e. A user interface configured to allow a user to enter at least one temperature setpoint, relating to a temperature of the water leaving the mixer, the system being configured so as to send a temperature signal according to the temperature setpoint from the user interface to the electronic processing unit and to control the first solenoid valve and / or the second solenoid valve according to the temperature signal, f. A water pumping device comprising an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the pumping device being connected to the third pipe, and the outlet of the pumping device being intended to be connected to at least one water tank, the pumping device being configured to transfer the mixed water present in the third line to the water tank. the user interface being configured to transmit at least one stop command to the electronic processing unit, the electronic processing unit being configured to, on receipt of said stop command, automatically actuate the pumping device of so as to pump the mixed water present in at least part of the third pipe in the direction of said water tank.

The present invention makes it possible to recover the undistributed mixed water present downstream of the mixer and partly in the third line.

The present invention saves energy by collecting water at a third temperature and storing it in a tank. The present invention thus makes it possible to reduce the water and energy consumption of a conventional water distribution system.

The present invention makes it possible to have only one pipe between the mixer and the distribution device, and thus this facilitates the installation of said system, in fact, the mixer can be arranged at a great distance from the distribution device.

At least part of the first pipe can be formed by the mixer itself. Thus, the first solenoid valve can be mounted on the mixer or belong to the latter.

At least part of the second pipe can be formed by the mixer itself. Thus, the second solenoid valve can be mounted on the mixer or belong to the latter.

Likewise, at least part of the third pipe can be formed by the mixer itself. The third solenoid valve can thus be mounted on the mixer or belong to the latter.

Preferably, the signal based on the temperature setpoint is sent by wireless communication to the electronic processing unit. This is, for example, a radio frequency signal.

The user interface is located within 1.5 meters of the outlet of a water distribution device, and preferably within one meter. Thus, without moving, the user can both enter an instruction through the user interface and collect the water which flows from the outlet of the water distribution device.

In the case of a sink, the distance between the user interface and the outlet will most often be less than 80 centimeters or even 50 centimeters.

Preferably, the user interface includes a setpoint area dedicated to the temperature setpoint and a setpoint area dedicated to the flow setpoint. For example, it could be at least two buttons. The buttons can be mechanical or be non-contact. In the latter case, they may for example include capacitive sensors in order to detect the presence of the user's finger.

According to a non-limiting example, the user interface comprises a display making it possible to display a data function of at least one of: the temperature of the water at the outlet level, the flow rate of the water at the level of the output, a temperature entered by the user from the user interface, a flow rate entered by the user from the user interface.

Preferably, the user interface includes a module for data communication with the electronic processing unit.

Preferably, the water distribution device includes the user interface as well as the outlet.

The temperature setpoint can be a temperature value or level or be an increase or decrease of a current temperature. Likewise, the flow setpoint can be a flow value or level or be an increase or decrease in a current flow.

The electronic processing unit communicates with the first solenoid valve and with the second solenoid valve by wired or wireless channels. In a particularly advantageous manner, the present invention makes it possible to control, via the user interface, the distribution of water by a water distribution device that can be delocalized with respect to the user interface. In addition, the water at the desired temperature, and preferably at the desired flow rate, is prepared at the level of the mixer which itself is also delocalized both from the user interface, but also from the water distribution device. Finally, the mixed water not consumed is directly pumped for storage so that its calories are not wasted.

The present invention also relates to a thermal energy recovery method comprising at least one system according to the present invention, the method comprising at least the following steps: a. Reception by the electronic processing unit of at least one temperature signal based on a temperature setpoint sent from the user interface corresponding to a third temperature; b. Actuation by the electronic processing unit of the first solenoid valve so as to allow a first flow of water at the first temperature to enter the mixer; vs. Actuation by the electronic processing unit of the second solenoid valve so as to allow a second flow of water at the second temperature to enter the mixer; d. Regulation by the electronic processing unit of the first solenoid valve and of the second solenoid valve according to the value of the temperature measured by at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the mixed water at the outlet of the mixer so that said measured value corresponds to the third temperature to within a predetermined temperature difference; e. Distribution of the mixed water by a water distribution device to the user; f. Receipt by the electronic processing unit of a stop command issued from the user interface; g. Activation of the pumping device so as to pump the mixed water present in at least part of the third pipe and possibly in the mixer, and so as to fill, at least in part, the at least one water tank with pumped mixed water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the water distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 represents the diagram of an electronic mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 represents a water distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 represents a pumping device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows the diagram of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a schematic exploded view of a building comprising a water distribution system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions are not representative of reality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before embarking on a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

According to one example, the system comprises the second source of supplying water at the second temperature, the second supply source comprising said water tank.

In one example, the water tank is a water heater.

According to one example, the mixer is configured to be located at a first distance from the water tank and at a second distance from the water distribution device, the first distance being less than the second distance.

This makes it possible to have the mixer as close as possible to the tank and thus to only have to deploy the third line between the mixer and the distribution device. This facilitates installation and optimizes the water distribution system.

According to one example, the user interface is configured to allow a user to enter at least one flow setpoint, relating to a flow of mixed water at the outlet of the mixer, the system being configured so as to send a flow signal function of the flow setpoint to the electronic processing unit and to control the first solenoid valve and / or the second solenoid valve according to the flow signal.

According to one example, the mixed water has a third temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature.

According to one example, the system comprises at least a third solenoid valve configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water into the third pipe, and the electronic processing unit is configured to control the third solenoid valve at least according to the signal from debit.

According to one example, the system comprises at least one disinfection module configured to disinfect the mixed water circulating in the third pipe, preferably the module of disinfection is configured to be disposed between the third pipe and at least one water distribution device.

This makes it possible to obtain disinfected and clean water at the outlet of the water distribution device. Indeed, the water at the third unused temperature being pumped after water has been dispensed, the mixer and at least part of the third pipe can remain empty, that is to say without water, for a certain time. In order to avoid any problem linked to the proliferation of bacteria and / or fungi in the mixer and / or the third pipe, a disinfection module is placed between the third pipe and the water distribution device so as to disinfect the water. mixed water.

According to one example, the system includes at least a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the mixed water and to transmit a measured temperature value to the electronic processing unit.

According to one example, the system comprises at least: a. A first solenoid valve configured to selectively open and close the first line; b. A second solenoid valve configured to selectively open and close the second line; vs. A temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the mixed water; d. An electronic processing unit configured to receive a signal corresponding to a temperature setpoint entered by a user and to, in response, control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve according to at least one temperature setpoint.

According to one example, the system comprises at least one water distribution device integrating said user interface.

In one example, the pumping device is configured to activate when the dispensing device stops delivering the mixed water.

According to one example, the system comprises at least one heat exchanger configured to use the pumped water so as to heat at least part of the building, preferably to heat at least part of the water in a water tank.

According to one example, the method comprises at least the following steps, before the step of activating the pumping device: a. Actuation of the first solenoid valve so as to prevent water from entering the first line; b. Actuation of the second solenoid valve so as to prevent water from entering the second line.

The present invention relates to a water distribution system. This water distribution system is preferably installed in a building. It is often referred to as a sanitary water distribution system, preferably sanitary hot water. Advantageously, this system water supply can be installed during the construction of said building or installed in a building already constructed.

Advantageously, and as described below, this system is configured to form, at least in part, a hot water distribution system configured to reduce energy losses. Indeed, the present invention is configured to allow the recovery of unused hot water.

As described below, according to one embodiment, the system comprises: a. Preferably, a water distribution device; Advantageously, the water distribution device is configured to distribute mixed water to the user via a water outlet. b. A mixer configured to mix a first stream of water at a first temperature with a second stream of water at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature; the mixer comprising at least a first water inlet intended to be connected to a first source of water supply at the first temperature via a first pipe, a second water inlet intended to be connected to a second power source water at the second temperature via a second pipe, and at least one mixed water outlet being at a third temperature, the mixed water outlet being connected via a third pipe to the water distribution device; The mixer is advantageously a device thus comprising two water inlets and one water outlet. The mixer is configured to allow mixing of cold water and hot water in a volume so as to output water at a third temperature; Advantageously, the third temperature is between the first temperature and the second temperature. In the present description, the term “quantity of water or water flow” is understood to mean a flow during a given period of time, the flow possibly being continuous or interrupted. vs. A first solenoid valve disposed between the first source of water supply and the mixer; This first solenoid valve is configured to selectively prevent or allow the passage of water from the first water source to the mixer. Preferably, the flow rate of water circulation at the first temperature can be controlled by the first solenoid valve. d. A second solenoid valve disposed between the second source of water supply, which we will name hereinafter the water tank for reasons of clarity and preferred embodiment, and the mixer; This second solenoid valve is configured to selectively prevent or allow the passage of water from the water tank to the mixer. Preferably, the water circulation flow rate at the second temperature can be controlled by the second solenoid valve. e. An electronic processing unit configured to control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve as a function of at least one temperature setpoint; The electronic processing unit is configured to at least partially manage the system according to an embodiment of the present invention; f. A user interface configured to allow a user to enter at least one temperature setpoint, relating to a temperature of the water leaving the mixer, the system being configured so as to send a temperature signal according to the temperature setpoint from the user interface to the electronic processing unit and to control the first solenoid valve and / or the second solenoid valve according to the temperature signal. According to one embodiment, the user interface can be integrated into the water distribution device or be deported therefrom. Advantageously, the user interface comprises one or more buttons configured to allow the user to activate the distribution of water and advantageously to choose the temperature of the distributed water, or even the flow rate thereof. Preferably, the user interface is configured to allow the user to choose the temperature of the distributed water and advantageously the flow rate of the distributed water; g. A water pumping device comprising an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the pumping device being connected to the third pipe, and the outlet of the pumping device being intended to be connected to a water tank; This pumping device advantageously comprises a pump configured to pump the mixed water contained in the mixer and in the third pipe connecting the mixer to the distribution device; Preferably, the pumping device is configured to activate when the dispensing device stops dispensing the mixed water. We will speak of mixed water and water at the third temperature in an equivalent manner.

According to one embodiment, the system can comprise the first source of water at the first temperature, in the form of a first reservoir for example, or of a water reservoir, or even of another distribution system. of water.

According to another embodiment, the first water source can be a municipal water source, such as a city's water supply network for example.

Thus, preferably, the first source of water comprises water at a first temperature; This water source is usually the city water inlet, that is, a connection to a city's water distribution network. This water is at a first temperature, generally called cold.

According to a preferred embodiment, but not limited to, the system can comprise the second source of water at the second temperature, in the form of a hot water tank for example, or else of a water heater or else again a cumulus, or any other water storage system, preferably hot. According to another embodiment, the second source of water supply may be a source external to the system of the present invention. Preferably, the system may then or may not include a reservoir to which the mixed water can be stored once pumped by the pumping device. This reservoir may or may not be connected to the mixer to use this water as water at the second temperature after heating thereof in said reservoir for example.

It will be noted that preferably, the second temperature is at least 10 ° C, preferably 30 ° C and advantageously 60 ° C above the first temperature.

The present system thus makes it possible, once the water dispenser stops dispensing water, that the mixed water present in the mixer and preferably in the third pipe connecting the mixer to the dispensing device, is injected directly into the mixer. the water tank.

Thus, the mixed water is injected into a water tank which is preferably at the second temperature. The thermal energy of the mixed water is thus not lost.

It will be noted that in a particularly advantageous manner, the mixer is placed near the water tank and not the distribution device. Indeed, according to a preferred and advantageous embodiment, the mixer is configured to be located at a first distance from the water tank and at a second distance from the water distribution device, the first distance being less than the second distance. . This makes it possible to have the mixer as close as possible to the tank and thus to only have to deploy the third line between the mixer and the distribution device. This facilitates installation and optimizes the water distribution system.

In the present description, the term “distance” is understood to mean a linear distance along the pipes. Thus the distance between a point A and a point B corresponds to the linear distance along the pipes separating point A from point B. For example the distance between the mixer and the water distribution device corresponds to the linear distance along of the third pipe, between the outlet of the mixer and the inlet of the distribution device. And the distance between the mixer and the second source of water supply, preferably the water tank, corresponds to the linear distance along the second pipe between the second inlet of the mixer and the outlet of the second source of water. water supply, preferably from the water tank.

Thus, the present invention allows a consequent saving of space, since the compactness of the system is improved. Indeed, only one duct is needed between the mixer and the dispensing device, which greatly facilitates the installation of the dispensing device. In addition, more energy is saved, because all of the water present in the pipe connecting the mixer to the distributor is recovered at the end of the distribution.

According to one embodiment, the user interface is integrated into the water distribution device, for example it may be a touch interface, for example placed above a sink. According to another embodiment, the user interface can be remote relative to the dispensing device, for example it may be a wall touch interface near a bathtub playing the role of a dispensing device.

According to yet another embodiment, the user interface can be a mobile application, that is to say software configured to be executed from a portable device such as a smart phone, for example, or even a digital tablet.

Particularly advantageously and as described below, a disinfection module can be arranged at the level of the third pipe, preferably between the third pipe and the water distribution device. This disinfection module is configured to disinfect mixed water before it is dispensed. This makes it possible to reduce the risks of microbial proliferation, for example.

Particularly advantageously, the system further comprises at least temperature sensor arranged between the mixer and the water distribution device; This temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the water flowing from the mixer to the distribution device; The temperature of this water is substantially equal to the third temperature in a steady state. Indeed, in dynamic regime, the measured temperature tends to approach the third temperature.

Advantageously, the electronic processing unit actuates the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve so as to regulate the supply of water to the mixer at the first temperature and at the second temperature. This regulation thus makes it possible to control the temperature of the water in the mixer. The temperature sensor also allows verification of the temperature at the outlet of the mixer.

According to one embodiment, a third solenoid valve can be arranged between the mixer and the water distribution device. This third solenoid valve is thus arranged so as to be able, selectively, to prevent or allow the circulation of the flow of mixed water in the third pipe. This third solenoid valve is advantageously controlled by the electronic processing unit. This third solenoid valve is preferably configured to regulate the flow of water at the third temperature, advantageously as a function of the flow setpoint, selected by the user and transmitted from the user interface to the electronic processing unit.

According to one embodiment, one or more non-return valves can be arranged at several locations of the hydraulic network of the present invention. For example, a non-return valve can be arranged at the level of the third pipe, so that when the pumping device is activated, this non-return valve prevents any flow of fluid from the distribution device to the pumping device. This allows only the mixed water present in at least part of the third line and in the mixer to be pumped.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a method for recovering thermal energy comprising at least one system as described above, the method comprising at least the following steps, preferably successive: at. Reception by the electronic processing unit of at least one temperature signal as a function of a temperature setpoint sent from the user interface and corresponding to a third temperature; Indeed, when the user actuates one of the buttons, preferably the first button of the user interface, he selects a temperature, and can via the second button select a flow rate for example. This temperature corresponds to a temperature setpoint sent to the electronic processing unit, the electronic processing unit is then in charge of the temperature at the outlet of the mixer. The third temperature must actually correspond to the temperature requested by the user up to a predetermined temperature difference. Likewise, the user selects a flow rate, this flow rate corresponds to a flow rate signal depending on a flow rate setpoint which is sent to the electronic processing unit which will then control the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve so as to obtain the flow rate desired by the user, and / or control the third solenoid valve so as to obtain the desired flow rate. b. Actuation by the electronic processing unit of the first solenoid valve so as to cause a first flow of water at the first temperature to enter the mixer; On receipt of the temperature and preferably flow signal, the processing unit activates the first solenoid valve so as to cause water at the first temperature to enter the mixer, preferably at a flow rate corresponding to the setpoint flow rate; vs. Actuation by the electronic processing unit of the second solenoid valve so as to cause a second flow of water at the second temperature to enter the mixer; On receipt of the temperature and preferably flow signal, the processing unit activates the second solenoid valve so as to cause water at the second temperature to enter the mixer, preferably at a flow rate corresponding to the setpoint flow rate; Preferably, the activation of the first solenoid valve and the activation of the second solenoid valve are carried out simultaneously. d. Regulation by the electronic processing unit of the first solenoid valve and of the second solenoid valve as a function of the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor so that said measured value corresponds to the third temperature within a predetermined temperature difference; Then, for example, a feedback loop makes it possible to adjust the opening of each solenoid valve so as to obtain the desired temperature at the outlet of the mixer, and therefore at the outlet of the distribution device; The feedback loop can also make it possible to regulate the flow in addition to the temperature and thus obtain water at the outlet of the distribution device at the same time at the temperature desired by the user, that is to say at the third temperature, and at the rate desired by the user. e. Distribution of the mixed water by the distribution device; according to one embodiment, the distribution device is designed so that the water is only distributed when the set temperature is reached. According to another embodiment, the distribution device delivers water, the temperature and / or the flow of which vary until a set point is reached among at least the temperature set point and the flow set point. f. Stopping the water supply through the user interface; Preferably, transmission to the electronic processing unit by the user interface of at least one distribution stop command; This stop command can correspond for example to the activation of a button by the user, this button being able to be with or under contact; according to this embodiment, the user can for example press the button a first time to trigger the flow of water and press the same button a second time to transmit the stop command to the treatment unit electronic; According to another embodiment, the present invention can comprise a delay after the activation of a button by the user to start a flow of water, at the end of a predetermined time after the activation of the distribution. water, a stop command is automatically transmitted to the electronic processing unit; finally, the stop command can also be transmitted by the user by pressing a stop button according to one embodiment. For example, the user can press a so-called stop button and when he stops pressing, the stop command is transmitted to the electronic processing unit; g. Reception by the electronic processing unit of at least one command to stop dispensing by the dispensing device; When the distribution of water is stopped, for example by the user, the remaining water contained in the third pipe connecting the mixer to the distribution device is then at a temperature potentially higher than the first temperature. The same is true for the water still contained in the mixer. h. Activation of the pumping device so as to pump the mixed water present in the mixer and in at least part of the third pipe, and so as to fill at least one water tank with the mixed water pumped at the third temperature ; in this way, the thermal energy of the water present in the mixer and in said third pipe is used to supply heat to the water tank. According to one embodiment, this mixed water, therefore at the third temperature, can circulate in one or more heat exchangers before reaching the water tank. Thus, according to one embodiment, the pumped mixed water circulates through at least one heat exchanger before reaching the water tank. According to this embodiment, the pumped mixed water can either be used to collect calories or, according to another embodiment, to expend heat. The object of the present invention is thus to recover the calories from the heated water that is not used and to use them.

Figure 1 shows the diagram of a system 100 as described above. There is thus a first source 110 of water supply, preferably connected to the urban distribution network. This first water supply source 110 is connected via a first pipe 111 to the mixer 130. Preferably, in the case where the second water supply source 120 is a reservoir, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first water supply source 110 can also be connected via an additional pipe 113 to the reservoir 120 so as to supply it with water at the first temperature. Water which will then be heated to the second temperature.

Note that the first water supply source 110 is connected to the mixer 130 via the first pipe 111 through a first solenoid valve 112.

The reservoir 120 is connected to the mixer 130 via a second pipe 121 through a second solenoid valve 122. The reservoir 120 comprises a first inlet 120a configured to allow the introduction of water at the third temperature pumped by the pumping device 220. via a supply line 133. The reservoir 120 advantageously comprises a second inlet 120b configured to allow the supply of the reservoir 120 from the first supply source 110 with water. Finally, the reservoir 120 comprises at least one outlet 120c connected to the second pipe 121. Preferably, the reservoir 120 comprises a device for heating the water it contains so as to bring this water to the second temperature.

The mixer 130 comprises a first inlet 130a connected to the first pipe 111, a second inlet 130b connected to the second pipe 121 and an outlet 130c connected via the third pipe 131 to the distribution device 140.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, and preferably, the user interface 145 comprises a first button 141 allowing the choice of the third temperature, and a second button 142 allowing the choice of the flow rate of the water distributed to the third temperature. Preferably, the user interface comprises a display device 143 making it possible to indicate, for example, the temperature of the distributed water, therefore the temperature setpoint, that is to say the value of the third temperature. The display device 143 comprises for example a screen. Note that the distribution device 140 includes an inlet 140a connected to the third pipe 131 and an outlet 140b configured to deliver the mixed water.

Advantageously, the user interface 145 is electronic, it advantageously comprises a display device 143 and a first 141 and second 142 buttons. These buttons 141 and 142 can be tactile, for example, or even mechanical, or even optical in order to be contactless. It will be noted that the user interface can also be software executed on an electronic device such as smart phone or digital tablet, or even a computer. According to one embodiment, the user interface 145 comprises a communication module configured to be in communication with the electronic processing unit 200 so as to transmit data to the electronic processing unit 200, preferably linked data. with a temperature and / or flow setpoint.

The user interface 145 is in communication with the electronic processing unit 200. This communication can be wired, and / or wireless, for example by radio frequency.

The user interface 145 is electrically connected to the electronic processing unit

200.

Preferably, the user interface 145 is in wireless communication with the electronic processing unit 200.

According to another embodiment, this electrical connection is a wired connection.

240.

According to an advantageous embodiment, this electrical connection can be established through one or more hydraulic circuits, the water or the pipes serving as electrical conductors.

The electronic processing unit 200 is connected to a temperature sensor 210 located in the third pipe 131, preferably at the outlet of the mixer 130.

It will be noted that the temperature sensor 210 is preferably arranged in the third pipe 131 hydraulically connecting the mixer 130 and the distribution device 140.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor 210 can be placed in the mixer 130.

According to an embodiment not shown, a flow sensor is also present at the level of the third pipe 131. This flow sensor is configured to measure the output flow rate of the mixed water.

Advantageously, the electronic processing unit 200 is connected via a plurality of electrical connections 240 to the first solenoid valve 112, to the second solenoid valve 122, or even to the third solenoid valve 230 so as to control them in order to reach the temperature, and preferably the flow rate, desired by the user at the output of the distribution device 140. According to one embodiment, the electronic processing unit 200 takes into account the temperature loss between the mixer 130 and the distribution device 140 of so as to predict the final temperature of the water and thus to anticipate the temperature of the water which the mixture must reach in the mixer 130 in order to obtain water at the third temperature at the outlet of the distribution device 140.

According to one embodiment, the electronic processing unit 200 can be in wireless communication with the first solenoid valve 112 and / or the second solenoid valve 122.

It will also be noted that the pumping device 220 is strategically placed so as to be able to purge, via the purge line 132, at least part of the third line 131 and of the mixer 130, so, as illustrated, to fill the tank. 120 with said water pumped via the supply line 133. According to one embodiment, the mixer 130 has one or more so-called non-return systems so that the mixed water does not rise in the water circuit at the first temperature and in the water circuit at the second temperature.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of part of the system 100 as previously described. There are the two solenoid valves 112 and 122, the mixer 130 and the temperature sensor 210.

As illustrated, each solenoid valve 112 and 122 ensures the passage or not of water to the mixer 130.

Preferably, the temperature sensor 210 is placed downstream of the mixer 130. According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor 210 can be placed at a smaller distance from the distribution device 140 than from the mixer 130 so as to measure the temperature. water mixed as close as possible to its distribution point.

According to another embodiment, the temperature sensor 210 is placed in the mixer 130. Preferably, an algorithm for anticipating thermal loss can be implemented by the electronic processing unit 200 to compensate for the loss of calories from the mixed water circulating between the mixer 130 and the distribution device 140.

This figure 2 also shows the third solenoid valve 230. This third solenoid valve 230 can be configured to regulate the flow of water in the third pipe 131. In addition, this valve can also be used to seal a portion of the third pipe 131 before the pumping device 220 purges the water therein.

Figure 3 shows schematically the user interface 145 comprising the first button 141, the second button 142 and the display device 143.

Preferably, the term “button” is understood to mean both mechanical and tactile buttons, or even contactless, for example via a movement or proximity detector.

According to one embodiment, a button according to the present invention can be mechanical, contactless, inductive, resistive or else be optical, for example via infrared technology.

Thus, the buttons described in the present invention can be of all shapes and technologies allowing the activation of a function. A button can also include a delayed shutdown function once an activation command is triggered.

The first button 141, preferably electronic, is configured to allow the user to select the third temperature. Once this third temperature has been selected, a signal depending on the temperature setpoint is transmitted to the electronic processing unit 200.

The second button 142, preferably electronic, is configured to allow the user to select the flow rate of the distributed water. Once this flow has been selected, a signal depending on the flow setpoint is transmitted to the electronic processing unit 200.

According to one embodiment, the display module 143 is configured to indicate at least the temperature setpoint to the user, and preferably the flow setpoint. Also noted in this figure is the distribution device 140 and the illustrated presence of the third solenoid valve 230 selectively opening and closing the third pipe 131.

According to one embodiment, the distribution device 140 may include the user interface 145.

Finally, this figure shows the presence of the disinfection module 144 presented above. Indeed, according to an advantageous embodiment, the water distribution system 100 comprises at least one disinfection module 144 arranged between the mixer 130 and the distribution device 140, preferably between the third pipe 131 and the outlet 140b of the water distribution device 140. This disinfection module 144 makes it possible to reduce, or even avoid, the risk that the distributed mixed water does not carry bacteria and / or fungi. Indeed, the present invention allowing the pumping of the mixed water not used, the mixer 130, as well as a part at least of the third pipe 131 are therefore not filled with water when the system 100 is not used. . As a result, it is possible for bacteria and / or fungi to develop in the mixer 130 and / or in the third pipe 131. The use of a disinfection module 144 then makes it possible to have water in the third. temperature distributed clean and free from bacteria and / or fungi. According to one embodiment, this disinfection module 144 uses well-known disinfection technologies such as for example ultrasound.

According to one embodiment, the disinfection module 144 is disposed at the outlet 130c of the mixer 130.

According to another embodiment, the disinfection module 144 is disposed at the inlet 140a of the water distribution device 140.

According to yet another embodiment, the disinfection module 144 is disposed at the outlet 140b of the water distribution device 140.

FIG. 4 illustrates the third solenoid valve 230 arranged between the mixer 130 and the distribution device 140, preferably downstream of the hydraulic connection of the pumping device 220.

According to this embodiment, the flow rate of the water at the outlet of the distribution device 140 can be adjusted, preferably only, from this third solenoid valve 230.

According to one embodiment, when this third solenoid valve 230 is closed, the pumping device 220 can then purge the mixed water present in the mixer 130 and in at least part of the third pipe 131, part upstream of the third solenoid valve. 230. This figure denotes the inlet 220a of the pumping device 220 and the outlet 220b of the pumping device 220.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the system 100 comprises one or a plurality of heat exchangers 300. As indicated previously, this or these heat exchangers 300 can have several functions. According to one embodiment, at least part of the heat exchangers 300 is configured to transfer calories from outside the system 100 to the pumped water when the latter flows towards the water tank 120.

In another embodiment, at least some of the heat exchangers 300 are configured to transfer calories from the pumped water to the outside of the system 100.

By exterior of the system 100 is meant any element not forming part of the hydraulic circuit considered.

In FIG. 5, it will be noted that according to one embodiment, the heat exchanger 300 may comprise a first part formed of a main heat transfer fluid circuit 301, a first secondary heat transfer fluid circuit 310 and a second secondary heat transfer fluid circuit 320. The first secondary heat transfer fluid circuit 310 comprises an inlet 310a, for example an air inlet supplied for example by an air distributor 311, an outlet 310b and preferably an air filter 312 This first secondary coolant fluid circuit 310 is for example designed to heat or cool an air flow.

The second secondary heat transfer fluid circuit 320 also includes an inlet 320a, an additional solenoid valve 321 allowing selectively to open or close the second secondary heat transfer fluid circuit and an outlet 320b. Preferably, this additional solenoid valve 321 can also be configured to direct the heat transfer fluid in a hydraulic pipe 322 so as not to carry out a heat exchange with the main heat transfer fluid circuit 301. Note the presence on each branch of the secondary circuit of non-return valve 323 making it possible to prevent the heat transfer fluid from flowing in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of the inlet 320a. Finally, note the presence of an additional temperature sensor 330 configured to measure the temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the main circuit 301. This measurement is then transmitted, for example, to the electronic processing unit 200 which adjusts the path of the pumped water, for example according to this parameter and preferably others. For example, the pumped water can be used to heat the air flowing through the first secondary coolant circuit 310.

Thus, the system 100 can include a plurality of exchangers 300, generally an exchanger which recovers solar energy, an exchanger recovering geothermal energy (by a Canadian well, by the foundations ...), etc.

According to another embodiment, this or these heat exchangers 300 are configured to heat the water of the water tank 120 in order to save energy upstream of the domestic hot water heating system, such as that can be used to heat the water located in the tank 120.

According to one embodiment, not illustrated, the mixer 130 comprises an additional water inlet connected to an additional water source at a fourth temperature. According to this embodiment, this water is obtained by heat exchange with one or more heat exchangers 300. According to one embodiment, when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is higher than that of the water from the additional water source, the exchanger transfers energy from the heat transfer fluid to the water from the additional water source for preheat it.

According to another mode of operation, when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is lower than that of the water from the additional water source, the exchanger does not transmit the energy of said heat transfer fluid to the water from the source of water. additional water.

According to another mode of operation, when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is lower than the temperature of the water of the additional water source, the exchanger can, for example, transmit the energy of the hot air of the house said heat transfer fluid and thus cool the house while heating the heat transfer fluid.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the roof 450, the walls 430, or even the floors 440, of a house 400 comprise heat transfer fluid circuits forming heat exchangers 300.

For example, in summer, as roof 450 collects a lot of calories, these calories can be transferred to the pumped water then acting as a heat transfer fluid. This heated pumped water is then stored in the water tank 120 as described above.

As illustrated in Figure 6, a plurality of heat exchangers 300 can be installed in the foundations 410, buried 420 under the garden, on the exterior side of the walls 430, or even under the roof 450 of the building 400.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

REFERENCES

100 Distribution system

110 Primary source of water supply

111 First drive

112 First solenoid valve

113 Additional conduct

120 Water tank

120a Main supply to the water tank

120b Secondary supply inlet of the water tank

120c Water tank outlet

121 Second conduct

122 Second solenoid valve

130 Mixer

130a First mixer input

130b Second mixer inlet

130c Mixer outlet

131 Third conduct

132 Purge line 133 Supply line

140 Distribution system

140a Input of the dispensing device

140b Outlet of the dispensing device

141 First button

142 Second button

143 Display module

144 Disinfection module

145 User interface

200 Electronic processing unit

210 Temperature sensor

220 Pumping device

220a Pumping device inlet

220b Pumping device outlet

230 Third solenoid valve

240 Electrical connections

300 Heat exchanger

301 Main heat transfer fluid circuit

310 First heat transfer fluid circuit

310a Inlet of the first heat transfer fluid circuit

310b Outlet of the first heat transfer fluid circuit

311 Air distributor

312 Air filter

320 Second heat transfer fluid circuit

320a Entrance of the second heat transfer fluid circuit

320b Outlet of the second heat transfer fluid circuit

321 Additional solenoid valve

322 Hydraulic line

323 Non-return valve

330 Additional temperature sensor

400 Building

410 Foundations

420 Underground heat exchangers

430 Walls

440 Sol

450 Roof

Claims

A system (100) for distributing water in at least one building (400), said system (100) comprising at least: a. A mixer (130) comprising at least: o a first water inlet (130a) intended to be connected, via a first pipe (111), to a first supply source (110) of water having a first temperature, o a second water inlet (130b) intended to be connected, via a second pipe (121), to a second water supply source having a second temperature, said second water supply source comprising a water tank (120), and o at least one outlet (130c) of mixed water, configured to be connected, via a third pipe (131), to at least one outlet (140b) of a device (140) for distribution of water. water to a user; o the mixer (130) being configured to mix a first stream of water arriving through the first inlet, with a second stream of water arriving through the second inlet, so as to provide mixed water through the outlet (130c ), the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, b. A first solenoid valve (112) configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water through the first inlet (130a), c. A second solenoid valve (122) configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water through the second inlet (130b), d. An electronic processing unit (200) configured to drive at least the first solenoid valve (112) and the second solenoid valve (122); e. A user interface (145) configured to allow a user to enter at least one temperature setpoint, relating to a temperature of the water leaving the mixer (130), the system being configured so as to send a temperature signal function of the temperature setpoint from the user interface (145) to the electronic processing unit (200) and to control the first solenoid valve (112) and / or the second solenoid valve (122) according to the temperature signal, f . A water pumping device (220) comprising an inlet (220a) and an outlet (220b), the inlet (220a) of the pumping device (220) being connected to the third pipe (131), and the outlet ( 220b) of the pumping device (220) being intended to be connected to at least said water tank (120), the pumping device (220) being configured so as to transfer the mixed water present in the third pipe (131). ) up to the water tank (120), the user interface (145) being configured to transmit at least one stop command to the electronic processing unit (200), the electronic processing unit (200) being configured to, upon receipt of said stop command, automatically actuating the pumping device (220) so as to pump the mixed water present in at least part of the third pipe (131) towards said water tank (120).

2. System (100) according to the preceding claim comprising the second source of water supply at the second temperature and said water tank (120).

3. System (100) according to the preceding claim wherein the water tank (120) is a water heater.

4. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one water distribution device (140) incorporating said user interface (145).

A system (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the pumping device (220) is configured to activate when the water delivery device (140) stops delivering the mixed water.

6. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mixer (130) is configured to be located at a first distance from the water tank (120) and at a second distance from the dispensing device (140). of water, the first distance being less than the second distance.

7. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the user interface (145) is configured to allow a user to enter at least one flow setpoint, relating to a mixed water flow rate at the outlet. of the mixer (130), the system being configured so as to send a flow signal according to the flow setpoint to the electronic processing unit (200) and to control the first solenoid valve (112) and / or the second solenoid valve ( 122) depending on the flow signal.

8. System (100) according to the preceding claim comprising at least a third solenoid valve (230) configured to selectively prevent or allow the entry of water into the third pipe (131), and in which the electronic processing unit (200 ) is configured to control the third solenoid valve (230) at least according to the flow signal.

9. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one disinfection module (144) configured to disinfect the mixed water flowing in the third pipe (131), preferably the disinfection module (144) is. configured to be disposed between the third pipe (131) and at least one water distribution device (140).

10. System (100) according to any preceding claim comprising at least temperature sensor (210) configured to measure the temperature of. mixed water and to transmit a measured temperature value to the electronic processing unit (200).

11. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one heat exchanger (300) configured to use the pumped water so as to heat at least part of said building (400), preferably to heat at least. part of the water from a water tank (120).

12. A method of recovering thermal energy comprising at least one system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising at least the following steps: a. Reception by the electronic processing unit (200) of at least one temperature signal based on a temperature setpoint sent from the user interface (145) corresponding to a third temperature; b. Actuation by the electronic processing unit (200) of the first solenoid valve (112) so as to cause a first flow of water at the first temperature to enter the mixer (130); vs. Actuation by the electronic processing unit (200) of the second solenoid valve (122) so as to cause a second flow of water at the second temperature to enter the mixer (130); d. Regulation by the electronic processing unit (200) of the first solenoid valve (112) and of the second solenoid valve (122) according to the value of the temperature measured by at least one temperature sensor (210) configured to measure the temperature water mixed at the outlet (130c) of the mixer (130) so that said measured value corresponds to the third temperature to within a predetermined temperature difference; e. Distributing the mixed water by a water distribution device (140) to the user; f. Receipt by the electronic processing unit (200) of a stop command issued from the user interface (145); g. Activation of the pumping device (220) so as to pump the mixed water present in at least part of the third pipe (131) and possibly in the mixer (130), and so as to fill, at least in part, the minus a water tank (120) with the pumped mixed water.

13. Method according to the preceding claim comprising at least the following steps, before the step of activating the pumping device (220): a. Actuation of the first solenoid valve (112) so as to prevent water from entering the first line (111); b. Actuation of the second solenoid valve (122) so as to prevent water from entering the second line (121).