EP2241828B1 - improved hotwater device with variable volume - Google Patents

improved hotwater device with variable volume Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2241828B1
EP2241828B1 EP10159658.3A EP10159658A EP2241828B1 EP 2241828 B1 EP2241828 B1 EP 2241828B1 EP 10159658 A EP10159658 A EP 10159658A EP 2241828 B1 EP2241828 B1 EP 2241828B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
water
circulation
hand
controlled
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Not-in-force
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EP10159658.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2241828A1 (en
Inventor
Mihai Radulescu
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Electricite de France SA
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Electricite de France SA
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Publication of EP2241828A1 publication Critical patent/EP2241828A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
    • F24D17/0015—Domestic hot-water supply systems using solar energy
    • F24D17/0021—Domestic hot-water supply systems using solar energy with accumulation of the heated water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
    • F24D17/0026—Domestic hot-water supply systems with conventional heating means
    • F24D17/0031—Domestic hot-water supply systems with conventional heating means with accumulation of the heated water
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
    • F24D19/1051—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for domestic hot water

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to water heater devices.
  • the invention relates to water heater devices for modulating the storage volume.
  • Water heating devices have been known for many years, having on the one hand a sanitary water heating function and, on the other hand, a function of storing heated sanitary water, these devices being connected to the sanitary water network. a residence or any other building (industrial, tertiary, ).
  • the device is connected to a hot water network via, on the one hand, a cold water inlet (15) connected to the cold water inlet generally located at a low level of the tank (10) and an outlet of hot water (16) generally connected to an upper part of the tank (10)
  • a water heater device has a water heating function by means of a heating device (102) generally arranged in a lower part of the tank (10).
  • a heating device 102 generally arranged in a lower part of the tank (10).
  • the document relates to a water heater device comprising two hydraulically connected tanks each comprising a heating element and also comprises means for managing the withdrawal of hot water from the two tanks according to the contribution of solar energy. in order to increase the efficiency of the device.
  • water heater devices make it difficult to renovate a hot water system. Indeed, during a renovation of this network, one may want to increase the available volume of the storage space of the water heater device, which necessarily requires the complete replacement of the tank (10), resulting therefore no only an increase in the cost of the renovation but also an increase in waste due to the old unused tank.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater device for solving the aforementioned problems, and in particular to ensure modularity of the available storage space within the heater device.
  • the invention proposes a water heater device according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to two methods of using a water heater device according to the invention, and a method of renovating an existing water heater.
  • the document US 4,165,732 discloses the preamble of claims 8 to 10.
  • a water heater device (1) has on the one hand a first tank (10) comprising an enclosure (100)
  • This first tank further comprises a heating device (102) .
  • This heating device can be of any type and any source of different heat (electric, solar thermal, geothermal, gas, ).
  • This device for heating water within the tank (10) is widely known in the state of the art and will not be more detailed.
  • the first tank (10) is connected to a cold water inlet (15) of the hot water circuit, for example sanitary, at a lower part of the first tank (10).
  • the water heater device (1) further comprises a second auxiliary tank (12) comprising a storage enclosure (120).
  • This second tank is connected via its outlet pipe (122) to the hot water outlet (16) of the hot water system.
  • the first and second tanks (10) and (12) are both separate and thermally insulated, in particular through an insulation layer (respectively (104) and (124)) which guarantees a low heat exchange between the chamber of the tank and the outside of the tank.
  • the thermal insulation function of a tank being known from the state of the art, it will not be more detailed.
  • the first tank (10) of a water heater device (1) is intended for heating and storing water; and the second tank (12) is, for its part, simply for storing hot water and thus serves as a backup tank to increase, as needed, the storage capacity of the device as explained below.
  • the second tank (12) preferably does not comprise an internal heating means, that is to say arranged inside the storage chamber (120) of the second tank (2).
  • a water heater device (1) also comprises first means for controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12). These first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks allow to maintain the temperature of the stored water within of the reservoir (12) according to a mode of operation explained below.
  • These first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks comprise a pipe element (11) connected on the one hand (that is to say for one end) to a high level of the first tank (10) and on the other hand (for the other end) is connected to a low level of the second tank (12).
  • This pipe element (11) comprises, in order to control the circulation of water within it, a valve (110).
  • the first means for controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12) further comprises a second pipe element (13) connected on the one hand to a low level of the first tank and on the other hand to a low level of the second tank.
  • This pipe element (13) comprises not only a valve (30) for controlling the flow of water therein but also a non-return valve (132) preventing the flow of water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir (12).
  • the first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12) are able to hydraulically disconnect the two tanks, thus preventing any fluid flow between the two tanks, in both directions (of the reservoir ( 10) to the reservoir (12) and the reservoir (12) to the reservoir (10).
  • the water heater device (1) also comprises a second means for controlled circulation of water between the first reservoir (10) and the hot water outlet (16).
  • This second means of controlled circulation of water comprises in particular a pipe element (14) connected on the one hand to a high level of the first tank (10) and on the other hand to the hot water outlet (16) of the hot water network.
  • This pipe element (14) comprises, in order to control the circulation of water within it, a valve (140). All the valves of the water heater device (110), (130) and (140) may be manually controllable valves or advantageously remotely controllable valves (for example in the form of solenoid valves), these valves being then individually controlled by a control unit (17).
  • valves (110), (130) and (140) make it possible in particular to prevent the water circulation within the pipe (it will say that the valve is “closed") or allow the flow of water within the pipe (it will say that the valve is "open”).
  • the pipe element (11) is connected to the same draw point as the pipe element (14) (via a bifurcation point (11b)) , which allows the first tank (10) to have only two stitching points (for withdrawal) instead of three, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
  • the first tank operates alone, the second tank being disconnected from the first tank.
  • Cold water arrives from the water network via the cold water inlet (15) into the first tank (10). It is then heated by the heating device (102) and then injected into the hot water network via the pipe (14) towards the hot water outlet (16).
  • the water heater device operates with the two tanks, the two tanks being connected via the pipes (11) and (13) and the first tank is disconnected from the hot water outlet (16) by closing the valve (140).
  • the water enters the first tank (10) via the cold water inlet (15), and is heated by the heating device (102), goes up within the enclosure of the first tank (100) thanks to a thermosiphon effect, and rises via the pipe (11) into the chamber (120) of the second tank (12).
  • This hot water injected into the second tank (12) pushes the cooled water in the time located in a lower part of the second tank via the pipe (13) to return to the chamber (100) of the first tank (10) at the level the lower part, that is to say the height where is located the heating device (102).
  • the non-return valve (132) is provided. Thus, the hot water rises only through the pipe element (11).
  • This opening and closing can be done manually or automatically through the computing unit (17), this computing unit tilting the water heater device in the first or second mode of operation according to the hot water requirements.
  • Such a device thus makes it possible to achieve a balance between the real need and the production of domestic hot water, thus making it possible to make the water heater more efficient without sacrificing for all that the comfort of use of the hot water network.
  • Such a method of renovating a hot water installation allows, at lower cost, to increase the available volume of the water heater device, while allowing the modularity of this available volume.
  • This renovation is light compared to the original installation because it simply requires the installation of the second tank and additional pipe elements allowing the controlled circulation of water between the two tanks and the connection of the second tank to the exit of hot water and the arrangement of an additional valve between the first tank and the hot water outlet.
  • a device as shown in figure 6 requires only two stitches instead of three, thus reducing the cost of development and renovations.
  • thermosiphon effect it may be provided the installation of an additional pump in addition to the valve (110), to help the flow of water between the first tank (10) and the second tank (12).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne de manière générale les dispositifs de chauffe-eau.The invention relates generally to water heater devices.

Plus spécifiquement l'invention concerne les dispositifs de chauffe-eau permettant une modulation du volume de stockage.More specifically, the invention relates to water heater devices for modulating the storage volume.

On connaît depuis de nombreuses années des dispositifs de chauffe-eau ayant d'une part une fonction de chauffage d'eau sanitaire et d'autre part une fonction de stockage d'eau sanitaire chauffée, ces dispositifs étant connectés au réseau d'eau sanitaire d'une résidence ou de tout autre bâtiment (industriel, tertiaire, ...).Water heating devices have been known for many years, having on the one hand a sanitary water heating function and, on the other hand, a function of storing heated sanitary water, these devices being connected to the sanitary water network. a residence or any other building (industrial, tertiary, ...).

En référence à la figure 1, un dispositif de chauffe-eau connu de l'état de l'art comprend d'une part un réservoir (10) comprenant une enceinte (100) destinée à accueillir de l'eau sanitaire, ce réservoir (10) est conçu de manière imperméable et comprend généralement une couche thermiquement isolée extérieure (104).With reference to the figure 1 , a water heater device known from the state of the art comprises on the one hand a tank (10) comprising an enclosure (100) intended to receive domestic water, this tank (10) is designed so impervious and generally includes a thermally insulated outer layer (104).

Le dispositif est connecté à un réseau d'eau chaude via d'une part une entrée d'eau froide (15) connectée à l'arrivée d'eau froide généralement située à un niveau bas du réservoir (10) et une sortie d'eau chaude (16) généralement connectée à une partie haute du réservoir (10) Un tel dispositif de chauffe-eau a une fonction de chauffage d'eau grâce à un dispositif de chauffage (102) généralement agencé dans une partie basse du réservoir (10) Ainsi, un tel dispositif connu de l'état de l'art permet d'une part via son dispositif de chauffage de chauffer l'eau froide arrivant par l'entrée (15), l'eau froide une fois chauffée remonte vers le haut de l'enceinte (100) du réservoir (10) par effet thermosiphon et est envoyée dans le circuit d'eau chaude via la sortie d'eau chaude (16) connectée à un niveau haut du réservoir (10).The device is connected to a hot water network via, on the one hand, a cold water inlet (15) connected to the cold water inlet generally located at a low level of the tank (10) and an outlet of hot water (16) generally connected to an upper part of the tank (10) Such a water heater device has a water heating function by means of a heating device (102) generally arranged in a lower part of the tank (10). ) Thus, such a device known from the state of the art allows on the one hand via its heating device to heat the cold water arriving through the inlet (15), the cold water once heated back to the top of the chamber (100) of the tank (10) by thermosiphon effect and is sent into the hot water circuit via the hot water outlet (16) connected to a high level of the tank (10).

Cependant, de tels dispositifs connus de l'état de l'art sont critiqués par leur manque de modularité du volume de leur espace de stockage. En effet, non seulement les besoins en eau chaude peuvent varier selon les périodes de l'année, par exemple entre les périodes chaudes ou les périodes froides de l'année (été, hiver,....); mais de plus de tels dispositifs obligent les constructeurs de dispositifs de chauffage à prévoir une grande flexibilité de fabrication quant au volume de l'espace de stockage des dispositifs, ce qui augmente le coût de la chaîne de montage et par conséquent augmente le coût du dispositif de chauffe-eau. En effet, la chaîne de montage doit prévoir un large éventail de volumes possibles de l'espace de stockage des chauffe-eau correspondant aux différents besoins variant selon le type de clientèle (personne célibataire, famille nombreuse ou non, collectivité, sage industriel, ...).However, such known devices of the state of the art are criticized for their lack of modularity of the volume of their storage space. Indeed, not only the hot water needs can vary according to the periods of the year, for example between hot periods or periods cold of the year (summer, winter, ....); but moreover such devices oblige the manufacturers of heating devices to provide a great flexibility of manufacture as to the volume of the storage space of the devices, which increases the cost of the assembly line and consequently increases the cost of the device of water heater. Indeed, the assembly line must provide a wide range of possible volumes of storage space for water heaters corresponding to different needs depending on the type of clientele (single person, large family or not, community, industrial sage,. ..).

Il est également connu du document US 4 165 732 (référence est faite à la figure 4 du document) un dispositif pour obtenir de l'eau chaude à partir d'énergie solaire quel que soit le flux solaire à disposition. Plus précisément, le document concerne un dispositif de chauffe-eau comprenant deux réservoirs hydrauliquement connectés comprenant chacun un élément de chauffage et comprend également des moyens de gestion du soutirage d'eau chaude des deux réservoirs en fonction de l'apport de l'énergie solaire afin d'augmenter le rendement du dispositif.It is also known from the document US 4,165,732 (reference is made to figure 4 of the document) a device to obtain hot water from solar energy regardless of the solar flux available. More specifically, the document relates to a water heater device comprising two hydraulically connected tanks each comprising a heating element and also comprises means for managing the withdrawal of hot water from the two tanks according to the contribution of solar energy. in order to increase the efficiency of the device.

Le document US 4 165 732 divulgue le préambule de la revendication 1. On connaît également un document similaire : US 4 568 821 .The document US 4,165,732 discloses the preamble of claim 1. A similar document is also known: US 4,568,821 .

Cependant, ces dispositifs ne permettent pas de garantir une modularité de l'espace de stopkage disponible au sein du dispositif de chauffe-eau selon les besoins d'eau.However, these devices do not make it possible to guarantee a modularity of the stopkage space available within the water heater device according to the water needs.

Enfin, les dispositifs dé chauffe-eau, selon l'état de l'art, rendent difficile les rénovations d'un réseau d'eau chaude. En effet, lors d'une rénovation de ce réseau, on peut vouloir augmenter le volume disponible de l'espace de stockage du dispositif de chauffe-eau, ce qui passe nécessairement par le remplacement complet du réservoir (10), entraînant par conséquent non seulement une augmentation du coût de la rénovation mais régalement une augmentation des rebuts du fait de l'ancien réservoir inutilisé.Finally, water heater devices, according to the state of the art, make it difficult to renovate a hot water system. Indeed, during a renovation of this network, one may want to increase the available volume of the storage space of the water heater device, which necessarily requires the complete replacement of the tank (10), resulting therefore no only an increase in the cost of the renovation but also an increase in waste due to the old unused tank.

En conséquence, un but de la présente invention est de fournir un dispositif de chauffe-eau permettant de résoudre les problèmes précités, et notamment de garantir modularité de l'espace de stockage disponible au sein du dispositif de chauffe-eau.Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater device for solving the aforementioned problems, and in particular to ensure modularity of the available storage space within the heater device.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif de chauffe-eau selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention proposes a water heater device according to claim 1.

Ainsi une telle infrastructure permet aisément de disposer d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau avec un espace de stockage modulable.Thus, such an infrastructure makes it easy to have a water heater device with a flexible storage space.

Avantageusement mais facultativement, l'invention peut comprendre au moins l'une des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • les deuxièmes moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude comprennent un moyen contrôlé commutable entre deux états :
    • o l'un, ouvert lorsque les moyens contrôlés commutables des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau sont fermés, état dans lequel l'eau circule librement entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude, et
    • o l'autre, fermé lorsque les moyens contrôlés commutables des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau sont ouverts, état dans lequel la circulation d'eau est interdite entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude,
  • l'eau de la sortie d'eau chaude est puisée :
    • o uniquement au niveau deuxième réservoir dans l'état ouvert des moyens contrôlés commutables des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau,
    • o uniquement au niveau du premier réservoir dans l'état fermé des moyens contrôlés commutables des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau,
  • le deuxième réservoir ne comporte pas de moyen de chauffage interne,
  • l'élément de canalisation connecté d'une part à un niveau bas du premier réservoir et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir comprend en outre un moyen d'empêcher la circulation de l'eau du premier réservoir vers le deuxième réservoir,
  • le deuxième moyen de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude comprend un troisième élément de canalisation connecté d'une part à un niveau haut du premier réservoir et d'autre part à la sortie d'eau chaude,
  • les premiers ou deuxièmes moyens de circulation contrôlés comprennent une ou plusieurs vannes.
Advantageously but optionally, the invention may comprise at least one of the following characteristics:
  • the second means for controlled circulation of water between the first reservoir and the hot water outlet comprise a switchable controlled means between two states:
    • o one, open when the switchable controlled means of the first controlled water circulation means are closed, in which state the water circulates freely between the first reservoir and the hot water outlet, and
    • o the other, closed when the switchable controlled means of the first controlled water circulation means are open, state in which the circulation of water is prohibited between the first tank and the hot water outlet,
  • the water from the hot water outlet is drawn:
    • o only at the second tank level in the open state switchable controlled means of the first means of controlled circulation of water,
    • o only at the level of the first tank in the closed state of the switchable controlled means of the first means of controlled circulation of water,
  • the second tank has no internal heating means,
  • the pipe element connected on the one hand to a low level of the first tank and on the other hand to a low level of the second tank further comprises a means for preventing the flow of water from the first tank to the second tank ,
  • the second means of controlled circulation of water between the first tank and the hot water outlet comprises a third pipe element connected on the one hand to a high level of the first tank and on the other hand to the hot water outlet ,
  • the first or second controlled circulation means comprise one or more valves.

L'invention concerne également deux procédés d'utilisation d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau selon l'invention, et un procédé de rénovation d'un chauffe-eau existant. Le document US 4 165 732 divulgue le préambule des revendication 8 à 10.The invention also relates to two methods of using a water heater device according to the invention, and a method of renovating an existing water heater. The document US 4,165,732 discloses the preamble of claims 8 to 10.

D'autres buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, au regard des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau selon l'état de la technique,
  • la figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau selon une réalisation possible de l'invention,
  • les figures 3 à 5 sont des graphes de représentation fonctionnelle des différents procédés de l'invention,
  • la figure 6 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau selon une réalisation possible de l'invention.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation of a water heater device according to the state of the art,
  • the figure 2 is a schematic representation of a water heater device according to a possible embodiment of the invention,
  • the Figures 3 to 5 are graphs of functional representation of the various methods of the invention,
  • the figure 6 is a schematic representation of a water heater device according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

En référence à la figure 2, et selon une réalisation possible de la présente invention, un dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) présente d'une part un premier réservoir (10) comprenant une enceinte (100) Ce premier réservoir comprend en outre un dispositif de chauffage (102). Ce dispositif de chauffage peut être de tout type et de toute source de chaleur différente (électrique, héliothermique, géothermique, gaz,...). Ce dispositif de chauffage de l'eau au sein du réservoir (10) est largement connu de l'état de l'art et ne sera pas plus détaillé. Le premier réservoir (10) est connecté à une arrivée d'eau froide (15) du circuit d'eau chaude par exemple sanitaire au niveau d'une partie basse du premier réservoir (10)With reference to the figure 2 , and according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, a water heater device (1) has on the one hand a first tank (10) comprising an enclosure (100) This first tank further comprises a heating device (102) . This heating device can be of any type and any source of different heat (electric, solar thermal, geothermal, gas, ...). This device for heating water within the tank (10) is widely known in the state of the art and will not be more detailed. The first tank (10) is connected to a cold water inlet (15) of the hot water circuit, for example sanitary, at a lower part of the first tank (10).

Le dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon l'invention comprend en outre un deuxième réservoir (12) d'appoint comprenant une enceinte de stockage (120). Ce deuxième réservoir est connecté, via sa canalisation sortie à (122), à la sortie d'eau chaude (16) du réseau d'eau chaude. Le premier et le deuxième réservoir (10) et (12) sont tous deux distincts et thermiquement isolés notamment à travers une couche d'isolation (respectivement (104) et (124)) qui garantit un faible échange thermique entre l'enceinte du réservoir et l'extérieur du réservoir. La fonction d'isolation thermique d'un réservoir étant connue de l'état de la technique, elle ne sera pas plus détaillée.The water heater device (1) according to the invention further comprises a second auxiliary tank (12) comprising a storage enclosure (120). This second tank is connected via its outlet pipe (122) to the hot water outlet (16) of the hot water system. The first and second tanks (10) and (12) are both separate and thermally insulated, in particular through an insulation layer (respectively (104) and (124)) which guarantees a low heat exchange between the chamber of the tank and the outside of the tank. The thermal insulation function of a tank being known from the state of the art, it will not be more detailed.

Ainsi, le premier réservoir (10) d'un dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon l'invention est destiné au chauffage et au stockage de l'eau ; et le deuxième réservoir (12) est, quant à lui, simplement destiné au stockage d'eau chaude et sert donc de réservoir d'appoint permettant d'augmenter, selon les besoins, la capacité de stockage du dispositif comme expliqué ci-après. Ainsi, le deuxième réservoir (12) ne comporte préférentiellement pas de moyen de chauffage interne, c'est-à-dire agencé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte de stockage (120) du deuxième réservoir (2)Thus, the first tank (10) of a water heater device (1) according to the invention is intended for heating and storing water; and the second tank (12) is, for its part, simply for storing hot water and thus serves as a backup tank to increase, as needed, the storage capacity of the device as explained below. Thus, the second tank (12) preferably does not comprise an internal heating means, that is to say arranged inside the storage chamber (120) of the second tank (2).

Un dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon l'invention comprend en outre des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12) Ces premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs permettent de maintenir la température de l'eau stockée au sein du réservoir (12) selon un mode de fonctionnement expliqué ci-après. Ces premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs comprennent un élément de canalisation (11) connecté d'une part (c'est-à-dire pour une extrémité) à un niveau haut du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part (pour l'autre extrémité), est connecté à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir (12) Cet élément de canalisation (11) comprend, afin de contrôler la circulation d'eau en son sein, une vanne (110). Les premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12) comprennent en outre un deuxième élément de canalisation (13) connecté d'une part à un niveau bas du premier réservoir et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir. Cet élément de canalisation (13) comprend non seulement une vanne à (30) permettant de contrôler la circulation d'eau en son sein mais également un clapet anti-retour (132) empêchant la circulation d'eau du premier réservoir vers le deuxième réservoir (12).A water heater device (1) according to the invention also comprises first means for controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12). These first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks allow to maintain the temperature of the stored water within of the reservoir (12) according to a mode of operation explained below. These first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks comprise a pipe element (11) connected on the one hand (that is to say for one end) to a high level of the first tank (10) and on the other hand (for the other end) is connected to a low level of the second tank (12). This pipe element (11) comprises, in order to control the circulation of water within it, a valve (110). The first means for controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12) further comprises a second pipe element (13) connected on the one hand to a low level of the first tank and on the other hand to a low level of the second tank. This pipe element (13) comprises not only a valve (30) for controlling the flow of water therein but also a non-return valve (132) preventing the flow of water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir (12).

Ainsi, les premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12) sont aptes à déconnecter hydrauliquement les deux réservoirs, empêchant ainsi toute circulation de fluide entre les deux réservoirs, dans les deux sens (du réservoir (10) vers le réservoir (12) et du réservoir (12) vers le réservoir (10).Thus, the first means of controlled circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12) are able to hydraulically disconnect the two tanks, thus preventing any fluid flow between the two tanks, in both directions (of the reservoir ( 10) to the reservoir (12) and the reservoir (12) to the reservoir (10).

Le dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon l'invention comprend également un deuxième moyen de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier réservoir (10) et la sortie d'eau chaude (16) Ce deuxième moyen de circulation contrôlée d'eau comprend notamment un élément de canalisation (14) connecté d'une part à un niveau haut du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part à la sortie d'eau chaude (16) du réseau d'eau chaude. Cet élément de canalisation (14) comprend, afin de contrôler la circulation d'eau en son sein, une vanne (140). L'ensemble des vannes du dispositif de chauffe-eau (110), (130) et (140) peuvent être des vannes commandables manuellement ou avantageusement des vannes commandables à distance (par exemple sous la forme d'électrovannes), ces vannes étant alors commandées individuellement par une unité de contrôle (17).The water heater device (1) according to the invention also comprises a second means for controlled circulation of water between the first reservoir (10) and the hot water outlet (16). This second means of controlled circulation of water comprises in particular a pipe element (14) connected on the one hand to a high level of the first tank (10) and on the other hand to the hot water outlet (16) of the hot water network. This pipe element (14) comprises, in order to control the circulation of water within it, a valve (140). All the valves of the water heater device (110), (130) and (140) may be manually controllable valves or advantageously remotely controllable valves (for example in the form of solenoid valves), these valves being then individually controlled by a control unit (17).

Les moyens de contrôle de la circulation d'eau au sein des éléments de canalisation (11), (13) et (14) sous la forme de vannes (110), (130) et (140), permettent notamment d'empêcher la circulation d'eau au sein de la canalisation (on dira alors que la vanne est « fermée ») ou d'autoriser la circulation d'eau au sein de la canalisation (on dira alors que la vanne est « ouverte »).The means for controlling the circulation of water within the pipe elements (11), (13) and (14) in the form of valves (110), (130) and (140) make it possible in particular to prevent the water circulation within the pipe (it will say that the valve is "closed") or allow the flow of water within the pipe (it will say that the valve is "open").

En référence à la figure 6 et selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, il est prévu que l'élément de canalisation (11) soit connecté au même point de soutirage que l'élément de canalisation (14) (via un point de bifurcation (11b)), ce qui permet au premier réservoir (10) de n'avoir que deux points de piquage (pour le soutirage) au lieu de trois, permettant ainsi une réduction des coûts de fabrication.With reference to the figure 6 and according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the pipe element (11) is connected to the same draw point as the pipe element (14) (via a bifurcation point (11b)) , which allows the first tank (10) to have only two stitching points (for withdrawal) instead of three, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

Ainsi, le dispositif peut fonctionner selon deux modes de fonctionnement distincts :

  • un premier mode dans lequel seul le premier réservoir est en fonctionnement,
  • un deuxième mode selon lequel les deux réservoirs sont en fonctionnement.
Thus, the device can operate in two distinct modes of operation:
  • a first mode in which only the first tank is in operation,
  • a second mode in which the two tanks are in operation.

Ainsi, on peut choisir entre d'une part le seul volume du premier réservoir ou, de compléter ce volume disponible avec le volume du deuxième réservoir d'appointe (12), ce qui permet d'augmenter ou de réduire, à volonté, le volume de l'espace de stockage du dispositif de chauffe-eau selon l'invention.Thus, it is possible to choose between, on the one hand, the single volume of the first reservoir or, to supplement this available volume with the volume of the second auxiliary reservoir (12), which makes it possible to increase or reduce, at will, the volume of the storage space of the water heater device according to the invention.

Plus concrètement, les premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau (11), (13), (110), (130), (132) entre les deux réservoirs (10), (12) comprennent des moyens contrôlés commutables (comme les vannes (110), (130)) entre deux états :

  • l'un, ouvert, dans lequel l'eau circule librement entre le premier (10) et le deuxième réservoir (12), et
  • l'autre, fermé, dans lequel la circulation d'eau est interdite entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12),
de sorte que le deuxième réservoir (12) est un réservoir d'appoint opérationnel uniquement lorsque les vannes (110), (130) sont dans l'état ouvert.More concretely, the first means of controlled circulation of water (11), (13), (110), (130), (132) between the two reservoirs (10), (12) comprise switchable controlled means (such as the valves (110), (130) between two states:
  • one, open, in which the water circulates freely between the first (10) and the second reservoir (12), and
  • the other, closed, in which the circulation of water is prohibited between the two tanks (10) and (12),
so that the second tank (12) is a back-up tank operational only when the valves (110), (130) are in the open state.

Les deuxièmes moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier réservoir (10) et la sortie d'eau chaude (16) comprennent un moyen contrôlé commutable (par exemple la vanne (140) entre deux états :

  • l'un, ouvert lorsque les vannes (110) et (130) sont fermés, état dans lequel l'eau circule librement entre le premier réservoir (10) et la sortie d'eau chaude (16), et
  • l'autre, fermé lorsque les vannes (110) et (130) sont ouverts, état dans lequel la circulation d'eau est interdite entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude.
The second means for controlled circulation of water between the first reservoir (10) and the hot water outlet (16) comprises a switchable controlled means (for example the valve (140) between two states:
  • one, open when the valves (110) and (130) are closed, in which state the water circulates freely between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16), and
  • the other, closed when the valves (110) and (130) are open, state in which the flow of water is prohibited between the first tank and the hot water outlet.

En conséquence, l'eau de la sortie d'eau chaude (16) est donc puisée :

  • uniquement au niveau deuxième réservoir (12) dans l'état ouvert des vannes (110) et (130),
  • uniquement au niveau du premier réservoir (10) dans l'état ouvert des vannes (110) et (130),
As a result, the water from the hot water outlet (16) is drawn from:
  • only at the second tank level (12) in the open state of the valves (110) and (130),
  • only at the first reservoir (10) in the open state of the valves (110) and (130),

En référence à la figure 3, et afin de faire fonctionner le dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon le premier mode de fonctionnement, il est prévu un procédé d'utilisation du dispositif de chauffe-eau comprenant les étapes suivantes:

  • assurer des liaisons entre les deux réservoirs grâce à des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) entre les deux réservoirs (10, 12) comprenant un premier élément de canalisation (11) connecté d'une part à un niveau haut du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir (12), et un deuxième élément de canalisation (13) connecté d'une part à un niveau bas du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir (12),
  • empêcher la circulation d'eau entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12) Cette étape est réalisée à travers la fermeture des vannes (10) et (130) (étapes 30 et 32).
  • autoriser la circulation d'eau entre le premier réservoir (10) et la sortie d'eau chaude (16). Cette étape est réalisée via l'ouverture de la vanne (140) (étape 34).
With reference to the figure 3 , and in order to operate the water heater (1) according to the first mode of operation, there is provided a method of using the water heater device comprising the steps of:
  • providing connections between the two tanks by means of first controlled water circulation means (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between the two tanks (10, 12) comprising a first connected pipe element (11) of a part at a high level of the first reservoir (10) and secondly at a low level of the second reservoir (12), and a second channel element (13) connected on the one hand to a low level of the first reservoir ( 10) and on the other hand at a low level of the second tank (12),
  • prevent the circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12) This step is performed through the closure of the valves (10) and (130) (steps 30 and 32).
  • allow the circulation of water between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16). This step is performed via the opening of the valve (140) (step 34).

En référence à la figure 4, et afin de faire fonctionner le dispositif de chauffe-eau (1) selon le deuxième mode de fonctionnement, il est prévu un procédé d'utilisation du dispositif de chauffe-eau comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • assurer des liaisons entre les deux réservoirs grâce à des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) entre les deux réservoirs (10, 12) comprenant un premier élément de canalisation (11) connecté d'une part à un niveau haut du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir (12), et un deuxième élément de canalisation (13) connecté d'une part à un niveau bas du premier réservoir (10) et d'autre part à un niveau bas du deuxième réservoir (12),
  • autoriser la circulation d'eau entre les deux réservoirs (10) et (12). Cette étape est réalisée via l'ouverture des vannes (110) et (130) (étapes 40 et 42).
  • empêcher la circulation entre le premier réservoir (10) et la sortie d'eau chaude (16). Cette étape est réalisée via la fermeture de la vanne (140) (étape 44).
With reference to the figure 4 , and in order to operate the water heater (1) according to the second mode of operation, there is provided a method of using the water heater device comprising the steps of:
  • providing connections between the two tanks by means of first controlled water circulation means (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between the two tanks (10, 12) comprising a first connected pipe element (11) of a part at a high level of the first reservoir (10) and secondly at a low level of the second reservoir (12), and a second channel element (13) connected on the one hand to a low level of the first reservoir ( 10) and on the other hand at a low level of the second tank (12),
  • allow the circulation of water between the two tanks (10) and (12). This step is performed via the opening of the valves (110) and (130) (steps 40 and 42).
  • prevent circulation between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16). This step is performed by closing the valve (140) (step 44).

Ainsi, selon ce premier mode de fonctionnement, le premier réservoir fonctionne seul, le deuxième réservoir étant déconnecté du premier réservoir. L'eau froide arrive du réseau d'eau via l'entrée d'eau froide (15) dans le premier réservoir (10). Elle est ensuite chauffée par le dispositif de chauffage (102), puis injectée dans le réseau d'eau chaude via la canalisation (14) en direction de la sortie d'eau chaude (16).Thus, according to this first mode of operation, the first tank operates alone, the second tank being disconnected from the first tank. Cold water arrives from the water network via the cold water inlet (15) into the first tank (10). It is then heated by the heating device (102) and then injected into the hot water network via the pipe (14) towards the hot water outlet (16).

Selon ce second mode de fonctionnement, le dispositif de chauffe-eau fonctionne avec les deux réservoirs, les deux réservoirs étant connectés via les canalisations (11) et (13) et le premier réservoir est déconnecté de la sortie d'eau chaude (16) grâce à la fermeture de la vanne (140). Ainsi, l'eau entre dans le premier réservoir (10) via l'entrée d'eau froide (15), et est chauffée grâce au dispositif de chauffage (102), remonte au sein de l'enceinte du premier réservoir (100) grâce à un effet thermosiphon, et remonte via la canalisation (11) dans l'enceinte (120) du deuxième réservoir (12). Cette eau chaude injectée dans le deuxième réservoir (12) pousse l'eau refroidie dans le temps située dans une partie basse du deuxième réservoir via la canalisation (13) pour revenir dans l'enceinte (100) du premier réservoir (10) au niveau de la partie basse, c'est-à-dire la hauteur où est situé le dispositif de chauffage (102).According to this second mode of operation, the water heater device operates with the two tanks, the two tanks being connected via the pipes (11) and (13) and the first tank is disconnected from the hot water outlet (16) by closing the valve (140). Thus, the water enters the first tank (10) via the cold water inlet (15), and is heated by the heating device (102), goes up within the enclosure of the first tank (100) thanks to a thermosiphon effect, and rises via the pipe (11) into the chamber (120) of the second tank (12). This hot water injected into the second tank (12) pushes the cooled water in the time located in a lower part of the second tank via the pipe (13) to return to the chamber (100) of the first tank (10) at the level the lower part, that is to say the height where is located the heating device (102).

Afin d'éviter que l'eau chauffée par le dispositif de chauffage (102), remonte dans le second réservoir (12) via la canalisation (13) par l'effet thermosiphon, et que l'eau froide remonte dans le réservoir (12) pendant le soutirage d'eau chaude, il est prévu le clapet anti-retour (132). Ainsi, l'eau chaude remonte uniquement à travers l'élément de canalisation (11).In order to prevent the water heated by the heating device (102), goes back into the second tank (12) via the pipe (13) by the thermosiphon effect, and that the cold water rises in the tank (12). ) during the withdrawal of hot water, the non-return valve (132) is provided. Thus, the hot water rises only through the pipe element (11).

Pour changer de mode fonctionnement il suffit alors d'ouvrir ou de fermer les vannes correspondantes. Cette ouverture et fermeture peut être réalisée de manière manuelle ou automatiquement à travers l'unité de calcul (17), cette unité de calcul basculant le dispositif de chauffe-eau dans le premier ou le deuxième mode de fonctionnement selon les besoins en eau chaude.To change the operating mode simply open or close the corresponding valves. This opening and closing can be done manually or automatically through the computing unit (17), this computing unit tilting the water heater device in the first or second mode of operation according to the hot water requirements.

Si on prend l'exemple de l'eau chaude sanitaire, on peut utiliser uniquement le premier réservoir en été quand la consommation d'eau chaude sanitaire est faible et utiliser les deux réservoirs en hiver quand les besoins en eau chaude sanitaire sont importants. En effet, une économie d'énergie sera obtenue car la production d'eau chaude sera adaptée au besoin.If we take the example of domestic hot water, we can only use the first tank in summer when the consumption of domestic hot water is low and use the two tanks in winter when the need for hot water is important. Indeed, a saving of energy will be obtained because the production of hot water will be adapted as needed.

Les pertes thermiques de l'ensemble sont faibles puisque chaque ballon possède sa propre isolation thermique.The thermal losses of the assembly are low since each balloon has its own thermal insulation.

Un tel dispositif permet ainsi de réaliser un équilibre entre le besoin réel et la production d'eau chaude sanitaire en permettant ainsi de rendre le chauffe-eau plus efficace sans sacrifier pour autant le confort d'utilisation du réseau d'eau chaude sanitaire.Such a device thus makes it possible to achieve a balance between the real need and the production of domestic hot water, thus making it possible to make the water heater more efficient without sacrificing for all that the comfort of use of the hot water network.

Selon la figure 5, il est prévu un procédé de rénovation d'une installation d'eau chaude , l'installation comprenant un premier réservoir (10) thermiquement isolé de chauffage et de stockage d'eau, ce premier réservoir (10) comprenant un dispositif de chauffage (102) et étant connecté d'une part à une entrée d'eau froide (15) et une sortie d'eau chaude (16), le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • fournir un deuxième réservoir distinct du premier réservoir et thermiquement isolé (étape 50),
  • fournir des premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier et le deuxième dispositif. Ces premiers moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs sont agencés tel que décrit dans la revendication 10 (étape 52),
  • agencer des deuxièmes moyens de circulation contrôlée d'eau entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude (16). (étape 54).
According to figure 5 there is provided a method of renovating a hot water installation, the installation comprising a first thermally insulated tank (10) for heating and storing water, said first tank (10) comprising a heating device ( 102) and being connected on the one hand to a cold water inlet (15) and a hot water outlet (16), the method comprising the following steps:
  • providing a second tank separate from the first tank and thermally insulated (step 50),
  • provide first means for controlled circulation of water between the first and the second device. These first means of controlled circulation of water between the two reservoirs are arranged as described in claim 10 (step 52),
  • arranging second controlled water circulation means between the first tank and the hot water outlet (16). (step 54).

Ainsi, cela permet de garantir une eau continuellement chaude au sein du deuxième réservoir (12) et donc à disposition du réseau d'eau.Thus, it ensures a continuously hot water within the second reservoir (12) and therefore available to the water system.

Ainsi, un tel procédé de rénovation d'une installation d'eau chaude permet, à moindre coût, d'augmenter le volume disponible du dispositif de chauffe-eau, tout en permettant la modularité de ce volume disponible. Cette rénovation est légère par rapport à l'installation d'origine car elle nécessite simplement l'installation du deuxième réservoir et des éléments de canalisation supplémentaires permettant la circulation contrôlée d'eau entre les deux réservoirs et la connexion du deuxième réservoir à la sortie d'eau chaude ainsi que l'agencement d'une vanne supplémentaire entre le premier réservoir et la sortie d'eau chaude. De plus, un dispositif tel que représenté à la figure 6, ne nécessite l'aménagement que de deux points de piquage au lieu de trois, permettant ainsi une réduction des coûts d'aménagement et de rénovations.Thus, such a method of renovating a hot water installation allows, at lower cost, to increase the available volume of the water heater device, while allowing the modularity of this available volume. This renovation is light compared to the original installation because it simply requires the installation of the second tank and additional pipe elements allowing the controlled circulation of water between the two tanks and the connection of the second tank to the exit of hot water and the arrangement of an additional valve between the first tank and the hot water outlet. In addition, a device as shown in figure 6 , requires only two stitches instead of three, thus reducing the cost of development and renovations.

Si les besoins d'un utilisateur augmentent, il lui sera bien moins coûteux d'acheter le deuxième réservoir (volume complémentaire) et les raccordements avec le premier réservoir existant que d'acheter un nouveau ballon d'une capacité plus élevée.If a user's needs increase, it will be much cheaper for him to buy the second tank (additional volume) and connections with the first existing tank than to buy a new tank with a higher capacity.

Il est à noter en outre qu'un tel dispositif n'a pas obligatoirement besoin de source d'énergie supplémentaire pour la circulation entre les réservoirs car la circulation d'eau entre le premier et le deuxième réservoir est garantie par l'effet thermosiphon. Cependant, si l'effet thermosiphon n'est pas suffisant, il pourra être prévu l'aménagement d'une pompe supplémentaire en plus de la vanne (110), permettant d'aider la circulation d'eau entre le premier réservoir (10) et le deuxième réservoir (12).It should also be noted that such a device does not necessarily require additional energy source for circulation between the tanks because the water flow between the first and the second tank is guaranteed by the thermosiphon effect. However, if the thermosiphon effect is not sufficient, it may be provided the installation of an additional pump in addition to the valve (110), to help the flow of water between the first tank (10) and the second tank (12).

Claims (10)

  1. A water heater device, comprising a cold water inlet (15) and a hot water outlet (16), the device comprising two distinct and thermally insulated tanks,
    - a first tank (10) intended for heating and storing water and comprising a heating device (102), said first tank being connected to the cold water inlet (15) and to the hot water outlet (16), and
    - a second tank (12) intended for storing hot water, and connected to the hot water outlet (16),
    the device further comprising first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) capable of preventing water circulation between both tanks(10, 12) and second means for controlled circulation of water (14, 140) between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16), such that the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprise controlled means (110, 130) switchable between two states:
    - one, open, in which the water freely circulates from the first (10) to the second tank (12), and from the second tank (12) to the first (10);
    - the other, closed, in which the water circulation between both tanks (10, 12) is prevented;
    so that the second tank (12) is an operational make-up tank only when the switchable controlled means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) are in the open state, the device being such that the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprise a first duct element (11) connected to a high level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand and the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks comprise a second duct element (13), the device being characterized in that the second duct element (13) is connected to a low level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand.
  2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second means for controlled circulation of water (14, 140) between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16) comprise a controlled means (140) switchable between two states:
    - one, open, when the switchable controlled means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) are closed, a state in which the water freely circulates between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16), and
    - the other, closed, when the switchable controlled means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) are open, a state in which water circulation between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16) is prevented.
  3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water from the hot water outlet (16) is drawn:
    - exclusively at the second tank (12) in the open state of the switchable controlled means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132),
    - exclusively at the first tank (10) in the closed state of the switchable controlled means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132).
  4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tank (12) does not include any internal heating means.
  5. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the duct element (13) connected to a low level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand, further comprises a means for preventing circulation of the water (132) from the first tank (10) to the second tank (12).
  6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second means for controlled circulation of water (14; 140) between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16) comprises a third duct element (14) connected to a high level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to the hot water outlet (16) on the other hand.
  7. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first or second controlled circulation means comprise one or several valves (110, 130, 140).
  8. A method for using a water heater device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
    - ensuring connections between both tanks by means of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprising a first duct element (11) connected to a high level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand, and a second duct element (13) connected to a low level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand,
    - preventing circulation of water between both tanks (10, 12),
    - allowing circulation between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16).
  9. A method for using a water heater device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
    - ensuring connections between both tanks by means of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprising a first duct element (11) connected to a high level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand, and a second duct element (13) connected to a low level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand,
    - allowing circulation of water between both tanks (10, 12),
    - preventing circulation between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16).
  10. A method for refurbishing an existing water heater device, the existing water heater comprising a first thermally insulated tank (10) for heating and storing water comprising a heating device and being connected to a cold water inlet (15) on the one hand and to a hot water outlet (16) on the other hand, the method comprising the following steps:
    - providing a second tank (12) distinct from the first tank (10) and thermally insulated,
    - laying out second means for controlled circulation of water (140) between the first tank (10) and the hot water outlet (16),
    - connecting the second tank (12) to the hot water outlet (16),
    characterized in that the method comprises the following step:
    - laying out first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12), the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprising controlled means (110, 130) switchable between two states:
    - one, open, in which the water freely circulates from the first (10) to the second tank (12), and from the second tank (12) to the first (10);
    - the other, closed, in which water circulation is prevented between both tanks (10, 12),
    so that the second tank (12) is an operational make-up tank exclusively when the switchable means (110, 130) of the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) are in the open state, and the first means for controlled circulation of water (11, 13, 110, 130, 132) between both tanks (10, 12) comprising a first duct element (11) connected to a high level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand, and a second duct element (13) connected to a low level of the first tank (10) on the one hand and to a low level of the second tank (12) on the other hand.
EP10159658.3A 2009-04-10 2010-04-12 improved hotwater device with variable volume Not-in-force EP2241828B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0952389A FR2944342B1 (en) 2009-04-10 2009-04-10 IMPROVED VARIABLE VOLUME WATER HEATER DEVICE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2241828A1 EP2241828A1 (en) 2010-10-20
EP2241828B1 true EP2241828B1 (en) 2016-03-30

Family

ID=41278671

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10159658.3A Not-in-force EP2241828B1 (en) 2009-04-10 2010-04-12 improved hotwater device with variable volume

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2241828B1 (en)
FR (1) FR2944342B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2332505A1 (en) * 1975-11-18 1977-06-17 Cerca METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING HOT WATER FROM SOLAR ENERGY
US4568821A (en) * 1982-06-22 1986-02-04 Pba Inc. Remote water heater controller
GB0620262D0 (en) * 2006-10-13 2006-11-22 Willis Heating & Plumbing Co L A water heating system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2944342A1 (en) 2010-10-15
EP2241828A1 (en) 2010-10-20
FR2944342B1 (en) 2013-07-05

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