Heating device and method for operating the same

Abstract

A heating device includes: a fluid reservoir; a heat exchanger whose feed line is hydraulically connected to the fluid reservoir geodetically deeper than its return line; a pump situated in the feed line or the return line; a bypass hydraulically connected to the feed line and to the return line, the bypass bypassing the heat exchanger and the pump; and a three-way valve situated in the connection of the bypass to the feed line or in the connection of the bypass to the return line. Based on a comparison of a setpoint temperature with a first fluid temperature determined in the return line between the heat exchanger and the bypass, the three-way valve is switched into a first switch position in which the bypass is at least partially open, or the three-way valve is switched into a second switch position in which the bypass is closed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a heating device for heating a fluid in a fluid reservoir.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Different heating devices for heating a fluid in a fluid reservoir are known from the related art, thus, for example, for providing a supply of hot water.[0005]One variant hereby provides heating of the fluid within the reservoir using a heat exchanger. In another variant, cooler fluid is initially removed from a lower area of the fluid reservoir, then heated outside of the reservoir, and finally returned into an upper area of the fluid reservoir. Based on a temperature-dependent density of the fluid, the fluid stratifies in the fluid reservoir from warm above to cold below. A pump is necessary in the feed line or the return line of the heat exchanger in order to convey the fluid through the heat exchanger.[0006]The problem here is that the fluid in the upper area of the fluid reservoir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a heating device with a three-way valve and a bypass that allows fluid to be heated up to a specific temperature and then returned to the fluid reservoir. This design ensures that the fluid always operates at its best temperature, reducing energy wastage and improving efficiency. The components of the heating device are relatively inexpensive in comparison to the overall costs. The heat exchanger can be coupled with different heating units, such as fossil fuels, heat pumps, and solar thermal systems, making it easy to incorporate different types of heating into one device. The bypass allows for different heating units to be connected, improving efficiency. A three-way valve and a second temperature sensor help to achieve a high degree of efficiency and eco-friendliness. The invention also allows for the automated application of the heating device, allowing for its convenient use. The method deactivates the pump if the fluid temperature reaches a certain level, ensuring efficient operation. The invention can also be used without a setpoint temperature, allowing for flexibility in usage.

Problems solved by technology

The problem here is that the fluid in the upper area of the fluid reservoir should have a certain setpoint temperature for the removal of fluid by a consumer.

It consequently takes a relatively long time until fluid with the setpoint temperature is available in the draw-off zone of the fluid reservoir.

This is inconvenient for the consumer.

This may result in scalding and other damages.

Operation outside of the optimum results in increased costs and is not ecologically worthwhile.

In particular, if this is the case, then the fluid reservoir is already heated to the setpoint temperature up to the draw-off zone of the feed line and a continuation of the heating is not possible.

Consequently, a high temperature difference is present in the heat exchanger.

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