Method for operating a water circulation system

Abstract

A method for operating a water circulation system having at least one valve and at least one temperature sensor; determining a first temperature and a second temperature; determining a period of time; detecting the water temperature using at least one temperature sensor; detecting the opening time during which the at least one valve is at least partially open at least partially opening the at least one valve if the detected water temperature exceeds the value of the first temperature or if the opening time reaches the period of time; and completely closing the at least one valve if the detected water temperature reaches the value of the second temperature.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a water circulation system, in particular a piped drinking or service water system.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Operating methods for water circulation systems are known from the prior art in which the water temperature must be kept above or below a predefined temperature in order not to promote the growth of germs. The growth of germs such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Legionella is particularly favored in a temperature range of 20 to 50° C. For reasons of hygiene, i.e. to prevent germ growth as much as possible, the water temperature should therefore not be kept in this range. For reasons of convenience, i.e. to be able to quickly achieve a sufficiently high mixed temperature, the hot water temperature is usually kept at 55° C. Since the hot water pipes cannot be perfectly insulated, heat is continuously given off from the pipes to the cooler environment; usually 8 to 10 watts per m...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0068]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a water circulation system for carrying out the method according to the invention. The system comprises a supply line 1, a return line 2, two strand 3 which connect the supply line 1 to the return line 2. The system further comprises a temperature control unit 4, which connects the supply line 1 with the return line 2, whereby in one flow direction, water can circulate from the supply line 1, via the two strands 3, the return line 2 and the temperature control unit 4 back to the supply line 1. The system further comprises several consumers 5, which are arranged along the strand 3 and with which water can be drawn from the circulation system. In each strand 3, a valve 6 is provided, which is arranged in the region of the strand 3 which opens into the return line 2. I.e. the valve 6 is arranged in the region of the end of the strand 3. With each valve 6, the flow rate of the water in the respective strand can be changed. In the supply l...

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a water circulation system, in particular a piped drinking or service water system.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Operating methods for water circulation systems are known from the prior art in which the water temperature must be kept above or below a predefined temperature in order not to promote the growth of germs. The growth of germs such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Legionella is particularly favored in a temperature range of 20 to 50° C. For reasons of hygiene, i.e. to prevent germ growth as much as possible, the water temperature should therefore not be kept in this range. For reasons of convenience, i.e. to be able to quickly achieve a sufficiently high mixed temperature, the hot water temperature is usually kept at 55° C. Since the hot water pipes cannot be perfectly insulated, heat is continuously given off from the pipes to the cooler environment; usually 8 to 10 watts per m...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0068]FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a water circulation system for carrying out the method according to the invention. The system comprises a supply line 1, a return line 2, two strand 3 which connect the supply line 1 to the return line 2. The system further comprises a temperature control unit 4, which connects the supply line 1 with the return line 2, whereby in one flow direction, water can circulate from the supply line 1, via the two strands 3, the return line 2 and the temperature control unit 4 back to the supply line 1. The system further comprises several consumers 5, which are arranged along the strand 3 and with which water can be drawn from the circulation system. In each strand 3, a valve 6 is provided, which is arranged in the region of the strand 3 which opens into the return line 2. I.e. the valve 6 is arranged in the region of the end of the strand 3. With each valve 6, the flow rate of the water in the respective strand can be changed. In the supply l...

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