IMPROVEMENT MADE TO A DEVICE AND TO AN ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR SAVING HEAT ENERGY AND WATER IN A SANITARY INSTALLATION

Abstract

The device for regulating the pressure of a sanitary hot water circuit and, consequently, a flow rate of hot water exiting at least one outlet forming part of a sanitary hot water distribution installation having at least one source of hot water supplying a pump (2) that pressurizes the hot water, at least one circuit of small-bore pipes (5.2) conveying the pressurized hot water to at least one outlet (41), and a regulating system is characterized in that the regulating system has a pressure reducer (90) positioned upstream of each small-bore hot water circuit, and in that the device has means for determining the pressure in each small-bore pipe (5.2) at the outlet or outlets and for transmitting this pressure information to the corresponding pressure reducer (90) at the outlet or outlets. The invention also relates to the method implementing this device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to installations intended to deliver hot sanitary hot water at the power points, for example taps or mixing valves, quickly without wasting sanitary hot water. The invention relates in particular to a device and an associated method for regulating the flow of sanitary hot water in these installations.

PRIOR ART

The figures and the reference numerals in these figures cited in this paragraph “Prior Art” are those of the international application WO2017216432.

The patent application WO2017216432.describes an installation intended to deliver rapidly, without wasting the domestic hot water to the power points, for example taps or mixing valves. Several embodiments are shown in FIG. 2 (from wo2017216432) which includes pressure reducers. This embodiment with respect to the other two embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4 of wo2017216432) optimizes the energy savings when several circuits are stressed in the same way time.

FIG. 2 (of wo2017216432) shows an operating mode that uses pressure reducers (9) that are naturally with internal piloting, because the pressure information is detected in the pressure reducer, which makes it possible to have the desired pressure (for example 3 bars) at the power point. The problem is that the pressure reducers generate disturbing sound nuisance for the users. These sound nuisance have two distinct origins: on the one hand, they originate from the pressure reducer (9) which emits an unpleasant whistle close to the user, due to the strong restriction of the passage of the fluid. On the other hand, because the small-section pipe (3) is constantly subjected to the maximum pressure, it remains rigid and transmits well the sounds and vibrations emitted by the pump and by the motor, and more particularly the pulsations of the pump (the variations in flow rate) when it is a piston pump. When the pipe is in contact with the partitions of the building, the sound is amplified. It is then perceptible by the surrounding of the user and can easily exceed a maximum threshold fixed by standards and regulations.

To remedy this, it is attempted to install the pressure reducers upstream of the small-section circuit (3), far from the power points. The setpoint pressure of the internal piloting reducer must then be substantially increased, in order to take into account the pressure drops in the circuit of small cross-section between the reducer and the power point, in order to have the required pressure (3 bars) at the power points. However, this solution does not make it possible to guarantee the same pressure (3 bars) at the power point in all cases of use because the pressure drops in the circuit of small cross-section (3) depend in particular on the length of the pipes but also on the flow rate. Therefore, upstream of these conventional pressure reducers, it would prevent the satisfactory operation of the installation for the users.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the device making it possible to regulate the pressure of a domestic hot water circuit and consequently a flow of hot water leaving at least one power point forming part of a hot water distribution installation sanitary ware comprising at least one source of hot water pressurized by a pump, at least one circuit of pipes of small cross-section supplying the hot water under pressure to at least one power point, and a control system is characterized in that the regulation system comprises a pressure reducer placed upstream of each hot water circuit of small cross-section and in that the device comprises means for determining the pressure in each small-section pipe at the power point(s) and to transmit this pressure information to the pressure reducer corresponding to the power point(s).

More precisely, the term “upstream” upstream of each hot water circuit of small cross-section is downstream of the pump, in series on each distribution circuit of small cross-section and away from the power point. When there are several circuits of small cross-section, the pressure reducers are ideally grouped together and assembled together. The regulation system comprises several members that are ideally grouped together, forming a component called the regulation module.

The set value of the sanitary water pressure at each power point is preferably of the order of three bars, whatever the number of power points in service.

The first advantages of the device according to the invention are multiple. In particular, when several circuits of small cross-section are stressed at the same time, Several users can obtain domestic hot water rapidly at the power points whatever the requested flow rate, without energy waste and without sound nuisance.

The means for determining the pressure in each small-section pipe at each power point and for transmitting this pressure information to the pressure reducer corresponding to the power point(s) can be achieved different ways: the pressure information at each power point is either detected by a pressure sensor which sends an electrical signal via a wire or any other electronic means to the corresponding pressure reducers, either through a solid water pipe which transmits the pressure from the power point to the corresponding pressure reducer. This second solution will be preferred in installations already provided with conventional pipes of larger cross-section in which or on the outside of which the pipes of small cross-section pass. These pipe circuits of larger cross-section, full of water transmit the pressure information from the power points to the corresponding pressure reducers upstream of each small-section hot water circuit.

According to an improvement, these conventional pipes of larger cross-section are each provided with a solenoid valve connected in parallel. When these solenoid valves are open some of the sanitary water at the power points returns from the power points upstream, which makes it possible, First of supplying the hot water even more quickly to the power point independently of the flow rate requested by the user, and secondly to recover the thermal energy contained in the pipes after each use according to a method described below.

The invention also relates to a method implementing the above device. It comprises the following steps: Opening the power point, detecting the hot water demand at the power point, the automated opening of the solenoid valve generating a drop in pressure in the conventional pipe of larger cross-section, the complete opening of the pressure reducer allowing the transfer of a maximum flow of hot water into the pipe of small cross-section, the arrival of the hot water at the power point and the return of a portion of the flow rate via the pipe of greater section to the hot water source, the automated closing of the solenoid valve, regulating the flow rate in the pressure reducer throughout the phase of use as a function of the demand at the power point, closing the power point which generates a pressure rise completely closing the pressure reducer.

According to a variant of the device and the associated method, presented, the calories of the sanitary hot water contained in the pipes after closure of the power points are recovered, which further improves a little more energy savings and reduces the risk of proliferation of the bacteria in the sanitary hot water conduits.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the sanitary hot water distribution installation equipped with the regulation device according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a variant of the sanitary hot water distribution device, equipped with three regulation modules (5) according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the hydraulic functions of the regulation module (5), also visible in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pressure reducer (90) according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 using specific pressure reducers (90) placed upstream of the pipes of small cross-section (5.2). Their function is not to reduce the pressure directly, as would be closed by conventional pressure reducers. The pressure reducers (90) according to the invention use an external downstream pilot making it possible to vary the flow rate in the pipes of small section (5.2), in order to obtain a predetermined adjustable pressure (example 3 bar) at their other ends, at the level of the power point(s) (41).

The role of the pressure reducer (90) is to transform the pressure information into a flow rate. When the pressure at the power point (41) is below the set pressure, the flow rate increases, and vice versa when the pressure is above the setpoint pressure the flow rate decreases. The pressure reducer (90) is an integral part of the regulation module (5)

The order of the elements according to the invention is as follows: at least one hot water source (20) pressurized by a pump (2), at least one regulation module (5) comprising at least one pressure reducer (90), at least one small-section pipe (5.2), at least one power point (41).

Each circuit must comprise a means (5.1) which takes the pressure information at the power point (41) and which transmits it instantaneously to the pressure reducer (90) in order to control its flow rate. This means is materialized in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 by a control pipe (5.1) filled with water.

According to a variant of the invention not detailed in this description, the pressure information can be transmitted by another means (example: wireless, mechanical, hydraulic or electrical.).

This novel arrangement provides the following technical advantages:

• • a. The howling and the vibrations emitted by the pressure reducers (90) located in the boiler do not disturb the users.
  • b. The pressure in the small-section pipe is first reduced at the pressure reducer (90), then it decreases progressively along the path to arrive at a predetermined standard pressure (example: 3 bar) to the power point(s). There is therefore never high pressure in the vicinity of the power points (41), and therefore less danger to users and stakeholders.
  • c. The small section pipe (5.2) which is subjected to a lower pressure remains more flexible. It thus more easily absorbs the sounds, the vibrations and/or the pulsations of the pump heard or felt in contact with the pipe.
  • d. The connection to the power point(s) is traditionally done by the lead without worsening the high pressure upstream.
  • e. The volume of metal of the regulator (9) of the prior art cools the hot water at its contact before arriving at the user. This is detrimental to the main function of the device (comfort at saving water and energy). According to the invention, the centralized control modules (5) located in the vicinity of the pump are kept hot, as well as the pump, in order not to cool the water during the following use.
  • f. The sandwich stacking of the control modules (5) is convenient for the installer and to perform maintenance. Their production cost is also less important than that of the regulators (9) of the prior art.
  • g. Because of their proximity to the convenience of the boiler and of the control box of the pump, the regulation modules (5) easily accommodate the other functionalities described below.The centralized control modules (5) developed specifically for this application preferably contain four components each filling a function, namely:

The pressure reducer (90).

A solenoid valve (5.40) which makes it possible to obtain hot water rapidly at the power point, independently of the flow rate requested by the user.

A flow sensor (5.15).

A safety valve (5.36) which prevents the high pressure from damaging the components of the low-pressure circuit (5.1 and 41) in the event of a malfunction.

The solenoid valve (5.40) is connected on one side to the control circuit (5.1) and on the other to the hot water source (20). Its opening produces two effects: First, it allows the water coming from the small-section pipe (5. 2) returning to the source (20), via the pipe (5.1) (see detail C1 and C3 [FIG. 2]). Secondly, the resulting pressure drop in the control pipe (5.1) completely opens the passage of the pressure reducer (90), thus allowing a maximum flow rate in the small-section pipe (5. 2), the maximum flow rate being a function of the supply pressure of the pump (2) and of the pressure drops in the pipe (5.2).

The small section pipe (5.2) must therefore have a section adapted to pass a maximum flow rate without generating too much pressure drops.

It should be noted that for practical and economic reasons, the method uses the control pipe (5.1) to return the water to the source (20). However, according to a variant (not shown) which produces the same effect, the method uses a circuit connected to an upstream side and close to the power point(s), and from the other to the hot water source, serially accommodating the solenoid valve (5.40).

The operation of the regulation module comprises the following steps:

• • a. When a power point is stressed, the pressure drop transmitted by the control pipe (5.1), partially opens the passage of the pressure reducer (90).
  • b. The flow rate sensor (5.15) of the biased circuit detects the flow of water.
  • c. In order for the hot water pressurized by the pump (2) to circulate rapidly in the small section pipe (5. 2) and thus more rapidly supplies the user with hot water, the solenoid valve (5.40) opens for several seconds.
  • d. This has the consequence of fully opening the passage of the pressure reducer (90), allowing a maximum hot water flow in the direction of the source (20).
  • e. A portion of the flow rate reaches the user as a function of its demand and the other returns to the hot water source (see detail C1 [FIG. 2]) via the pipe (5.1).
  • f. After a sufficient time for the hot water to reach the user (for example three seconds, parameterized as a function of the length of the circuit), the solenoid valve (5.40) closes.
  • g. Then during the phase of use, the pressure reducer (90) regulates the flow rate (see detail C 2 [FIG. 2]) in the small-section pipe (5.2), as a function of the user's demand.
  • h. The end of the phase of use is the closing of the valve (power point) which generates a pressure rise completely closing the pressure reducer (90).

Sanitary installations using a pump and pipes of small cross-section in order to deliver rapidly to the power points of the domestic hot water make it possible to save substantial energy with respect to the installations. FIG. 2 an example. According to this embodiment, the small-section pipe (5.2) runs inside the conventional pipe (5.1), it thus transmits its calories to the water contained in the pipe (5.1) during the phase of use.

Claims

1. A device for regulating the pressure in a sanitary hot water circuit and consequently for regulating the hot water flow exiting from at least one outlet point being part of a sanitary hot water distribution installation, wherein the hot water distribution installation includes at least one hot water source pressurized by a pump (2), at least one small-section pipe circuit (5.2) supplying hot water to at least one outlet point (41), and a regulation system characterized in that the regulation system includes a pressure reducer (90) positioned upstream of each small-section hot water circuit and in that the device comprises for determining the pressure in each small-section pipe (5.2) at the least one outlet point and to transmit this pressure information to the corresponding pressure reducer (90) at the at least one outlet point.

2. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for determining the pressure and for transmitting the information transmission are pipes (5.1) filled with sanitary water.

3. The device according to claim 2 characterized in that the pressure reducer (90) comprises an injection needle (5.16) actuated by the hydraulic pressure present in the pipe (5.1), via a piston (5.38) or a membrane, the needle (5.16) regulating the flow of fluid at an injector (5.20) based on the demand at the outlet point(s).

4. The device according to claim 3 characterized in that each pressure reducer (90) comprises a housing (5.14) receiving and guiding the needle (5.16) so as to prevent the high pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the regulator from exerting an axial force on its end which is detrimental to the proper operation of the regulator, a seal (5.18) ensuring the sealing between the housing (5.14) and the needle (5.16).

5. The device according to claim 3 characterized in that each pressure reducer (90) has a brake that slows down the movement of the needle (5.16) with each change in flow rate, enabling for a faster stabilization of pressure and flow at the outlet point.

6. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the regulation module includes a solenoid valve (5.40) connected on one side upstream and close to the outlet point(s) and on the other side to the hot water source, enabling the sanitary water to return to the hot water source or a reserve (17) connected to the hot water source.

7. The device according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises safety valves (5.36) to prevent, in the event of malfunction, the high pressure from damaging the components of the low-pressure circuit (5.1) and (41).

8. Method for operating the device according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection of a hot water demand at the outlet point, the automated opening of the solenoid valve (5.40) generating a pressure drop in a pipe (5.1), the complete opening of the pressure reducer (90) allowing the transfer of a maximum hot water flow rate into the small-section pipe (5.2), the arrival of the hot water at the outlet point and the return of a part of the flow rate via the pipe (5.1) to the hot water source (20), the automated closing of the solenoid valve (5.40), regulating the flow rate in the pressure reducer (90) during the phase of usage according to the demand at the outlet point, closing the outlet point which generates a pressure increase completely closing the pressure reducer (90).

9. The method according to claim 8 characterized in that after closing the outlet points, the hot water contained in the pipes (5.1) and (5.2) is automatically replaced by cold water to be reintroduced into the reserve (17), which limits energy waste and bacteria proliferation.