WO2018036653A1

WO2018036653A1 - Device and method to produce instant hot water

Info

Publication number: WO2018036653A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/001004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Florian MANTEGAZZI
Original assignee: Innosteam Swiss Sa
Priority date: 2016-08-24
Filing date: 2017-08-23
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Also published as: RU2019105009A3; UA125339C2; EP3799614A1; RU2759647C2; RU2019105009A

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel hot water unit, a process to provide hot water and applications wherein such a novel hot water unit can be used.

Description

Device And Method To Produce Instant Hot Water

Background

The production of hot water is required in many technical applications in industry e.g. in production processes, in industrial or household applications like cleaning devices and in other household equipment. In household equipment such applications relate to e.g. coffee makers and cleaning applications.

Devices for the production of hot water of the prior art imply as one of their disadvantage that the operator has to wait a long time period until the unit is operational and hot water is available for use.

Hence it was one object underlying the invention to provide for a unit or devices that improve or avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. Another object underlying the invention was to provide hot water within a relatively short time period from switching on the unit. Summary of Embodiments

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a hot water producing unit which can provide hot water within a short time period from switching on the unit.

In another aspect the disclosure relates to a process for producing hot water.

In another aspect the disclosure relates to a unit and process for producing hot water wherein there is no need for a hot water reservoir or a container to store the hot water before use.

In another aspect the disclosure relates to devices using such a hot water unit.

Brief Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 illustrates a unit according to the disclosure wherein a heating means (5) is surrounded by a container (7) (also denoted as water container or water compartment or boiler) filled with water (4). Heating means (5) contains or is linked to a means (6) for determining the temperature of the heating element. The arrow (15) indicates the water flow into the container (7) wherein the water inlet is not explicitly shown and wherein the hot water outlet (not shown explicitly) is located at the arrow pointing in direction to the temperature sensor (8) which will send the hot water release temperature to electronic management system (9). Furthermore, pump (2) and pump rotation sensor (3) connecting water tank (1) and the heating element (5) with water container (7) are depicted. Electronic management element (9) is coordinating and controlling all unit and process parameters by way of (11) control of power of heating element, (12) (13) regulation of the pump and flow rate control and thus the volume and pressure feed into the container (7). The temperature sensor (14) gives feed back as to the hot water release temperature and provides a means for control of the hot water output temperature by way of controlling the heating element (5) accordingly through electronic management unit (9).

Fig. 2 illustrates the control of a regulated temperature of the heating element and the relationship of the device components (1), (2), (3), (4).

In this example a process according to the disclosure is described and the steps and sequence of steps of the device in an exemplary operating mode:

The hot water unit device used is comprises a water container, a custom pump and a fast element heater.

The sequence and process parameters are described in more detail in the following:

Process aspect no 1.

A) The starting of process: The custom pump is filling water into the container (max volume: 20ml). Then, the fast heating element is regulated until reaching a target temperature of 200°C and the pressure will not exceed 13 bar; the target parameters are met in less than 0.5 to 3 seconds.

B) The system is ready to release hot water: After releasing hot water by a controlled mechanism from the heating/water compartment, the hot water is released through the outlet hole (e.g. 0.5 to 10mm diameter). The hot water temperature is measured and a sensor means is connected with the electronic management unit for control and regulation of the hot water output temperature. During the release of hot water, the flow rate of the custom pump is regulated taking into account the temperature of the fast heating element in order to maintain a perfect ratio between the flow rate of the custom pump and the value of the temperature of fast heating element.

Process aspect no. 2.

A) While the device is in function and the process is continuously performed : The heating element is regulated so to reach or maintain a specific target temperature value (e.g. 250 °C).

B) The system is ready to release hot water: Simultaneously releasing hot water by way of a controlled mechanism, the custom pump is filling water into the container (max volume: 20ml) with a regulated specific flow rate.

Again the hot water is released through the outlet hole. During the release of hot water, the flow rate of the custom pump is regulated in a way taking into account the fast heating element temperature value in order to maintain a perfect ratio between the flow rate of the custom pump and the temperature value of the fast heating element. The hot water release temperature is measured and a feed back loop allows for control of the release temperature by way of adjusting the heating element (5) temperature.

Detailed Description

The disclosure of the invention will be described in the following including the various aspects of the disclosure in more detail and describing the advantages over the state of the art. In the following certain terms of the disclosure will be described in more detail.

"Water unit" or "hot water unit" - which can be used interchangeably - in the sense of the disclosure is to be understood as a heating element or heating unit or heating means including a water container or water compartment with an inlet for water and an outlet for the hot water produced. The flow rate and volume of hot water can be controlled by the inflow of cold water into the water unit, preferably the outlet can comprise a control means and thus regulate the hot water outflow or/and it can be controlled in coordination with the cold water inflow.

"Instant hot water" or "instant water" - which can be used interchangeably - in the sense of the disclosure is to be understood as hot water that can be produced on demand within a very short period of time and which does not require a long boost time of the system before being ready to produce hot water; moreover "instant hot water" as to be understood by this disclosure does not require a reservoir or container wherein the hot water is prepared in a limited quantity which restricts the volume of hot water to be used or being ready for use. In contrast the "instant hot water" will be produced on demand and in a continuous manner in contrast to a batch hot water production as described in the prior art.

In the sense of the disclosure "on demand hot water" or "on demand water" - which can be used interchangeably - is to be understood as hot water that can be used directly after its production in a water unit and wherein the steam production can be continuous wherein water or any other fluid or water including other fluids or additives are entering the water unit at the water inlet and leave the water unit by way of the outlet of the water unit. The "pressure" in the sense of the disclosure relates to the pressure produced by the pump or pumping means in the range of about 5 to about 20 bar and which can be managed and coordinated with the other unit or process conditions.

A "target temperature" in the sense of the disclosure can relate to the temperature of the heating means or the temperature of the steam produced by the steam unit. The target temperature may be in the range of about 20 °C to 250 °C.

A "water container" or "water compartment" in the sense of the disclosure refers to the means and volume being connected with, or surrounding the, or forming part of the heating means. It may be in the range of about 2 to 200 ml, or 5 to 50 ml, or 5 to 10 ml.

A "heating time" in the sense of the application is the time that is required to bring e.g. a means, a target fluid, like water, a heating means, to its target temperature; it may take less than 10 seconds, or less than 5 seconds, or from 10 to 20 seconds, or from 5 to 10 seconds, or from 0.5 to 5 seconds, or from 1 to 3 seconds.

In one aspect the disclosure relates to unit for making instant hot water comprising i. a heating means, ii. a pumping means, iii. a control means, the control means controls the pumping means and the heating means wherein the control means is capable of modifying the temperature of the heating means when the pressure of the pumping means is modified.

One advantage of the unit according to the invention is that the hot water can be provided very shortly after switching the unit on and the operator does not have to wait a time period as known from hot water units according to the state of the art.

Another advantage of the invention is that a hot water reservoir is not necessary. Such a hot water reservoir as described in the state of the art which is a container located after the hot water producing unit (e.g. the heating element) or which is a container including the hot water producing element and which at the same time serves as the hot water reservoir. The hot water is discharged from this element through the outlet or it can be released by way of a valve. One disadvantage of known a hot water unit is inter alia that it takes relatively long until the unit is ready to provide hot water. Another disadvantage in addition is the limited volume of hot water over time that can be made available for use, i.e. once the hot water contained in this reservoir of hot water has been used or the water contained in this reservoir has been used, the container has to be refilled and re-heat water and it takes again some time until the unit is ready again to discharge hot water. Or in case water is continuously refilled into the reservoir which includes the heating means it is difficult to control and regulate the temperature of the hot water. It may happen that the target temperature of the hot water as desired will not be reached and hot water below the desired temperature is released. Hence known hot water units imply long waiting time when the unit is set to function, or in the process of use.

In contrast and advantageously the unit according to the invention can provide hot water very shortly after it is switched on. It only requires a very short time period until hot water can be discharged and thus advantageously has a minimal waiting time before hot water is provided. Moreover, in the cause of use there will be no need to wait again for the availability for hot water in case a water tank has to be refilled. Moreover, the target temperature and the desired temperature of hot water can be precisely managed.

In terms of construction and design the invention is also advantageous because it requires less components or components that are smaller compared to known hot water units. Accordingly, the devices can be designed differently and in many cases in smaller dimensions which represents an advantage and may imply as well a cost advantage.

In one embodiment the inventive steam unit has advantageously achieved to be capable of generating instant hot water without a prolonged waiting time for the personnel using such a device. Such an inventive hot water unit also achieves in principle the advantage of maintaining a fixed or regulated, preset or target temperature, of the heating element.

One principle concept and aspect of the disclosure comprises at the starting point of process a custom pump filling water into the container (with e.g. a volume of 10 to 20ml). The fast heating element is regulated until reaching a target temperature of 200°C and the pressure will not exceed 15 bar; these target parameters are met in less than 5 seconds, e.g. 0.5 to 3 seconds. Now the system is ready to release hot water. The hot water is released by a controlled mechanism from the heating/water/hot water compartment, and the steam is e.g. released through the outlet of the heating element or by way of a valve.

While the device is in function and the process is continuously performed the heating element is regulated so to reach or maintain a specific target temperature value (e.g. 250 °C). The system is ready to release hot water. The system is capable of simultaneously releasing hot water by way of a controlled mechanism and the custom pump is filling cold water into the container with a regulated specific flow rate.

The hot water release is operated through the outlet of the heating element. During the release of the steam, the flow rate of the custom pump is regulated in a way taking into account the fast heating element temperature value in order to maintain a perfect ratio between the flow rate of the custom pump and the temperature value of the fast heating element.

A unit according to the disclosure can further comprise further comprise a water tank, a pumping means rotation sensor, a flow rate measuring means, a temperature measuring means in the heating means, a pressure measuring means, a water container of the heating means, a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet on the heating means and/or an additional water circuit through the container of the heating means, and/or wherein the unit does not have an additional hot water container.

In one aspect the advantage of the invention is also that by way of combining a control element (9) with measuring means (3), (6) and by way of (11), (12), (13), (14) it can e.g. maintain a target temperature of the heating element (5) and adapt the other means (2) and (8) as well as water flow rate and pressure while discharging steam through solenoid valve (8). Other parameters can also be kept at a target value and the other features and parameters be controlled to produce instant hot water. The control element (9) thus allows for a overall control of various parameters.

The unit can also contain an additional water circuit through the container of the heating means. The unit can further be characterized in that the unit does not have any or an additional hot water container. Such a hot water container as used in the prior art contains pre-produced hot water ready for use or a container wherein the maximal volume of water is contained and the hot water ready for use.

In another aspect the unit according to the invention contains a heating means which is a fast heating means, preferably having a container with a volume for water uptake of 10 to 50 ml, preferably 5 to 25 ml, more preferably 10 ml.

In the unit according to claim the invention the heating means can be set to any predefined temperature and it is set to a target temperature wherein the target temperature may vary depending on the application and particular requirement of the steam used.

In the unit according to the invention the heating means can be heated to a temperature of 20 °C to 250 °C, preferably to 80 °C to 200 °C.

Advantageously in the unit the temperature of the heating means can be increased to the target temperature within 0.5 to 5 seconds, preferably within 1 to 3 seconds.

The heating means used will have a power as usually used for such units, preferably the heating means has 1300 to 2500 W, preferably 1400 to 2000 W.

The hot water flow rate and/or pressure can be changed during operation of the unit. The water flow rate and/or pressure will be adapted to the needs and other parameters of the unit as may be required to produce the hot water as may be required with regard to temperature, pressure and volume.

The inventors have surprisingly found a design of the hot water unit allowing the production of instant steam without the need to preheat or a long waiting period until the hot water is ready for use. The advantages of the invention can be achieved by an electronic management of the target temperature and temperature of the heating means, the regulation of the pumping volumes and/or the pressure applied by the pumping means. Moreover, in this manner it is possible to provide "on demand" hot water in an instant manner and in the quantities required for the respective application.

In one aspect the unit according to the invention contains a control means, as forming part or being the electronic management, wherein the control means can change and/or coordinate the temperature of the heating means, the pumping means, preferably the pressure and/or flow rate of the pumping means, the hot water out put rate and/or the hot water pressure at the outlet, and/or the hot water outlet valve.

The control means can be set to any predefined or changing values with regard to all relevant unit and process means and sequences. In a preferred embodiment the control means maintains a constant preset temperature in the heating means when the flow rate of the pumping means is increased.

The flow rate of the pumping means can be managed and controlled as required. Preferably the pumping means can produce a flow rate of 0 to 400 g/min, preferably 50 to 200 g/min, more preferably of 120 g/min. The pressure of the pumping means can be managed and controlled as required. Preferably the pressure produced by the pumping means is 5 to 20 bar, preferably 7 to 15 bar, more preferably 10 bar.

In a preferred unit the temperature in the container of the heating means can be decreased by way of a water circuit.

In another aspect the disclosure relates to a process for making instant steam comprising the steps: i. pumping fluid into the water container of a heating means, ii. controlling the temperature and pressure in the heating means to reach a target temperature and a pressure below a maximum target pressure value, iii. discharging hot water from the heating means through an outlet means.

One advantage of the process of the invention is that the hot water that is "ordered" can instantly be provided without an extended period until all process components are at their operational state. The hot water will be provided within a very short time from setting the process to work.

In a preferred process the hot water release means is an outlet with an adapted diameter, preferably the diameter has a release opening of 0.1 - 50 mm.

In the process according the invention the heating means will be set and the temperature changes will be controlled as may be required by the other process parameters. The temperature of the heating means will be in the range of 20 °C to 250 °C, preferably between 100 °C to 250 °C. Also the pressure in the system during the process and /or of the pumping means will be set and controlled in a range which is suitable in view of the other process conditions and parameters as well as with the hot water output goal. In a preferred embodiment of the process the heating means is heated up to 250 °C and controlled to reach a target temperature of 180 °C and/or a maximum pressure of 5 to 15 bar, preferably less than 13 bar.

In the process the heating means will be set to reach a target temperature which may vary as described above. The advantage of the inventive process is that the target temperature will be reached in a very short time period. Accordingly, also the hot water advantageously will be available within a very short time period. Preferably the target temperature is reached in 0.5 to 5 seconds, preferably in 0.5 to 3 seconds, more preferably in 1 to 2 seconds. Accordingly, also the hot water is ready to be discharged for use within a time period of 0.5 to 5 seconds, preferably in 0.5 to 3 seconds, more preferably in 1 to 2 seconds.

The discharge of the hot water can be controlled by any means know to the skilled person and which means are well suitable depending on the particular unit setup and application used. In a preferred process the hot water release is controlled by a release valve.

In the process the fluid, preferably water, is pumped into the water container or water compartment connected with the heating means, or surrounding the heating means, or forming a part within the heating means, or being arranged in any useful manner with the heating means. The water will be pumped in a volume and/or with a pressure useful and adapted to the other process conditions. Depending on the hot water discharge including e.g. the hot water volume, speed etc., fluid has to be pumped again into the water compartment to provide continued hot water. In a preferred process the pumping means - after the hot water release - is pumping fluid into the water container of a heating means with a predetermined flow rate which is controlled dependent on the temperature of the heating means.

In another aspect in the process the flow rate of the water to be supplied to the water compartment and/or the hot water to be discharged will be controlled in relation to the other process parameters and preferably the flow rate is controlled to be in the range of 10 to 400 g/min, preferably 50 to 200 g/min, more preferably 120 g/min..

In another aspect the process according to the invention will set the temperature to a target temperature in the heating means wherein the target temperature may vary during the steam production process depending on various parameters and in view of the volume of steam discharged. Preferably the target temperature in the heating means is controlled to 80 °C to 250 °C.

One advantage of the inventive process is the fast availability, of hot water. In a preferred embodiment the hot water can be released within less than 5 seconds, preferably within less than 3 seconds, more preferably within less than 1 to 2 seconds.

The unit and process as disclosed above can be used and applied in any technical, research, industrial, household or any other way wherein hot water is required.

One possible use is the application of the hot water unit and the process as described above in a device for hot water dispensing. Such a device for hot water dispensing can be used in any application where instant hot water is required and advantageously an instant supply of hot water represents an advantage.

Another possible use is the application of the hot water unit and the process as described above in a device for making hot beverages like tea, hot chocolate or coffee, or like hot instant soups etc.

The following examples will describe preferred embodiments of the disclosure and shall not be understood as limiting in any sense. The skilled person will also appreciate that all and any features disclosed therein can be combined with all and any features as disclosed herein above.

Examples

Example 1

In this example a device according to the disclosure is illustrated in more detail with regard to the components that can be used:

Pump

Type: custom

Bi-directional : Yes

Pressure : 10 bar Max

Flowrate : 0-50g/min

Heating element :

Voltage : 230 VAC

Power Max : 2200W

Flowrate : 47g/min

Capacity : 0-10 ml

Container : Example 2

In this example a device according to the disclosure is described and the steps and sequence of steps of the device in an exemplary operating mode (Fig. 2):

1. No hot water:

Power regulation of the heating element (figure 1 : 5) to regulate the temperature (figurel :6).

Solenoid valve closed (figurel :8).

2. Change from no hot water to hot water production:

Regulation of the pump (figure 1 :2)

Power regulation of the heating element (figure 1 :5).

Solenoid valve opening (figure 1 :8).

3. Hot water production:

Power regulation of the heating element (figure 1 :5).

Flow rate regulation of the pump (figure 1 :2) to regulate temperature (figure 1 :6) of the heating element (figure 1 :5). Solenoid valve opened (figure 1 :8).

4. Change from hot water production to no hot water

production:

Solenoid valve closing (figure 1 :8).

Power regulation of the heating element (figure 1 :5) to regulate the temperature (figure 1:6). Reference List

1. Water tank (fluid supply for instant steam

process)

2. Pump

3. Pump rotation sensor

4. Water in the container / boiler

5. Heating means / heating element

6. Measuring means for determining the temperature of the heating element

7. Container / water container of hot water unit / boiler

8. Sensor temperature

9. Electronic management element

10. Hot water

11. Power of heating element

12. Regulation of pump

13. Flow rate control

14. Temperature sensor feet to electronic

management element for control of temperature of hot water output

15. Water

Claims

Claims 1. Unit for making instant hot water comprising

1. a heating means, ii. a pumping means, iii. a control means, the control means controls the pumping means and the heating means wherein the control means is capable of modifying the temperature of the heating means when the pressure of the pumping means is modified.

2. Unit according to claim 1 further comprising a water tank, a pumping means rotation sensor, a flow rate measuring means, a temperature measuring means in the heating means, a pressure measuring means, a water container of the heating means, a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet on the heating means and/or an additional water circuit through the container of the heating means, and/or wherein the unit does not have an additional hot water container.

3. Unit according to claim 2 wherein the heating means is a fast heating means having a container with a volume for water uptake of 10 to 50 ml, preferably 5 to 25 ml, more preferably 10 ml.

4. Unit according to claim 1 to 3 wherein the heating means can be set to a target temperature.

5. Unit according to claim 1 to 3 wherein the heating means can be heated to a temperature of 20 °C to 250 °C, preferably to 80 °C to 200 °C.

6. Unit according to claim 5 wherein the temperature of the heating means can be increased to the target temperature within 0.5 to 5 seconds, preferably within 1 to 3 seconds.

7. Unit according to claim 1 to 6 wherein the heating means has 1300 to 2500 W, preferably 1400 to 2000 W.

8. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the hot water flow rate and/or the pressure can be changed.

9. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the control means can change and/or coordinate the temperature of the heating means, the pumping means, preferably the pressure and/or flow rate of the pumping means, the hot water out put rate and/or the hot water pressure at the outlet.

10. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the control means maintains a constant preset temperature in the heating means when the flow rate of the pumping means is increased.

11. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the pumping means can produce a flow rate of 0 to 400 g/min, preferably 50 to 200 g/min, more preferably of 120 g/min.

12. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the pressure produced by the pumping means is 5 to 20 bar, preferably 7 to 15 bar, more preferably 10 bar.

13. Unit according to claim 1 wherein the temperature in the container of the heating means can be decreased by way of a water circuit.

14. Process for making instant hot water comprising the steps: i. pumping fluid into the water container of a heating means, ii. controlling the temperature and pressure in the heating means to reach a target temperature and a pressure below a maximum target pressure value, iii. discharging hot water from the heating means through an outlet means.

15. Process according to claim 14 wherein the heating means is heated up to 250 °C and controlled to reach a target temperature of 180 °C and/or a maximum pressure of 5 to 15 bar, preferably less than 13 bar.

16. Process according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the target temperature is reached in 0.5 to 5 seconds, preferably in 0.5 to 3 seconds, more preferably in 1 to 2 seconds.

17. Process according to claim 18 wherein the flow rate is controlled to be in the range of 10 to 400 g/min, preferably 50 to 200 g/min, more preferably 120 g/min.

18. Process according to claim 18 wherein the target temperature in the heating means is controlled to 80 °C to 250 °C.

19. Process according to any of claims 14 to 20 wherein the hot water can be released within less than 5 seconds, preferably within less than 3 seconds, more preferably within less than 1 to 2 seconds.

20. Device for coffee machine comprising a unit according to claim 1.

21. Device for hot water dispensing comprising a unit according to claim 1.