Pool technology storage device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pool equipment housing comprising a casing (2) made of at least three, in particular four, substantially vertical side surfaces (21, 21k, 21l, 21tr, 21tl) and at least one roof surface (23) enclosing an interior space (20) protected against wind and weather. At least one pool equipment component (3) is housed in the interior space, for example, a pump (3a), a filter (3b), a heating element, and / or a water treatment system. According to the invention, the pool equipment housing is characterized by an integrated solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) for providing electrical and / or thermal energy.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an accommodation device for swimming pool or pool technology comprising a housing made of three, in particular 4, substantially vertical side surfaces or side walls and at least one roof surface, enclosing an interior of the housing in which at least one technical element, for example in the form of a pump, a heating element and / or a water chemistry system, is housed.

[0002] In the prior art, housing devices of the type described above are known, which are also referred to in the trade as equipment boxes or pool equipment boxes. They offer the possibility of housing the equipment necessary for the operation of a swimming pool, often also called a swimming pool, in a way that is protected from wind and weather and also from view. Such equipment boxes typically have the form of a container-like receptacle consisting of four essentially rectangular, vertically oriented side walls, a base, and a roof or lid, with access to the interior of the container provided in the side walls and / or the lid. The lid is, for example, designed to be hinged or removable. In addition, one of the side walls can also be removable or hinged, or may contain a door.

[0003] The pool equipment housed inside such a technical box can include all the systems and devices necessary for operating a swimming pool. This typically includes at least a filtration system consisting of a circulation pump and a filter to ensure regular circulation and filtration of the pool water. A heating element may also be present, allowing the pool water to be heated to a desired temperature. Another commonly used piece of pool equipment is a water chemistry system, which measures various chemical parameters of the pool water, such as pH value, free chlorine, free oxygen, and salinity, and / or adjusts them through automatic mixing with the water circulated by the filter system's pump.

[0004] One disadvantage of the modules described above is that they have a high energy demand, especially electrical energy, and in particular require a connection to the power grid.

[0005] This also applies to the heating and pumping module known from published European patent application EP 1028297 A2, which is characterized by the fact that the pump is integrated into the heating vessel, thus creating a compact and easily transportable device with which domestic hot water can be heated at any location. One proposed application for this heating and pumping module is the heating of swimming pool water. An electric or gas-powered heat generator is proposed as the heat source or heating element. This device, too, can therefore only operate autonomously to a limited extent and requires a regular supply of gas cartridges or a connection to a gas line, and, in any case, an electrical connection for operating the pump.

[0006] Against this background, the present invention aims to create an improved pool equipment housing device which, while retaining the advantages of known devices, reduces energy consumption or even makes autonomous operation possible.

[0007] This problem is solved by a pool equipment housing device with the features of claim 1.

[0008] A key element of the pool equipment housing according to the invention is at least one integrated solar panel. This panel can be integrated into one of the side surfaces or one of the roof surfaces of the housing. More than one solar panel is also possible, for example, two or more. Of these, one can be integrated into one of the roof surfaces and the second into a side surface or side wall adjoining this roof surface.

[0009] Various types of solar panels can be used within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, a photovoltaic panel is integrated into the pool equipment housing according to the invention, which provides electrical energy in the form of direct voltage and direct current when exposed to sunlight. This electrical energy can be used to operate the pool equipment used in the pool equipment housing according to the invention, and / or the electrical energy can be stored in an optional electrical energy storage device, for example, a rechargeable battery or a supercapacitor, for use at other times, for example, during periods of reduced sunlight due to clouds or in the evening or at night.

[0010] The electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic solar panel typically requires voltage conditioning for operation of the existing pool equipment. Photovoltaic modules deliver a voltage that, while essentially independent of the radiation intensity, does change with the downstream load. In any case, voltage adjustment to the supply voltage required for operating the pool equipment is generally necessary, even if the equipment itself operates on direct current (DC). If, however, the pool equipment is operated on alternating current (AC), an inverter is required for voltage conditioning. The device required for voltage conditioning is preferably integrated into the pool equipment housing according to the invention.

[0011] Another possible type of solar panel that can be used in the pool equipment housing according to the invention is a solar thermal collector panel. This provides heat energy extracted from the light energy emitted by the sun, which is supplied in the form of a heated working medium. This is preferably a liquid flowing through the panel, for example, water, such as distilled water or salt water, or an oil, such as a synthetic oil. For the present application, it is advantageous to use the pool water directly as the heat medium in the solar thermal collector panel integrated into the housing device according to the invention. For this purpose, the pool water can be pumped through the solar thermal collector panel by a pump, for example, one of the circulation pumps already present as part of the pool equipment.

[0012] The solar panel of the pool housing device according to the invention can also be a hybrid PV-thermal collector panel capable of supplying both electrical and thermal energy. Such hybrid solar modules essentially represent a two-layer structure consisting of a thermal collector panel with a photovoltaic panel integrally mounted on top. The solar thermal collector panel can comprise serpentine hoses or tubes through which the heat transfer medium flows, in a known manner. A layer of solar cells is applied to this medium in direct contact with it. The solar cells can utilize the higher-energy part of the solar spectrum, with photon energies above the band gap of the semiconductor used, for electricity production, but not the lower-energy part of the solar spectrum.Photons in this spectral range contribute to the heating of the heat transfer medium by either passing unimpeded through the solar cells and being directly absorbed by the underlying heat collector panel, or by being absorbed by the solar cell itself, which then heats the cell first. The heat from the solar cell is then transferred via thermal conduction through the solid to the underlying heat collector panel and finally to the heat transfer medium. Because hybrid panels utilize the majority of the solar spectrum, they achieve a significantly higher combined efficiency than non-hybrid panels.

[0013] Integrating a solar module into the pool equipment housing according to the invention significantly reduces its energy consumption. This is particularly advantageous because swimming pools are frequently used in good weather, when the solar radiation available to the integrated solar panel is comparatively intense. The integrated solar panel of the pool equipment housing according to the invention can provide some or all of the electrical energy required to operate the housed pool equipment, it can assist in heating the pool water to a desired temperature, or both effects can be achieved simultaneously, either through the use of hybrid photovoltaic thermal collector panels or several different non-hybrid solar panels.

[0014] Advantageous further training opportunities, which can be implemented individually or in combination, provided they do not exclude each other, are included in the dependent entitlements and will be described below.

[0015] In some embodiments of the pool equipment housing according to the invention, the solar panel is adjustable in its tilt and / or its azimuth angle relative to the housing. This is helpful in maximizing the energy absorbed by the solar panel. In further preferred embodiments, the pool equipment housing also includes an automatic tracking system with which the solar panel can be automatically aligned towards the sun.

[0016] The solar panel of the pool equipment housing device according to the invention can be a panel that provides electrical energy, for example a photovoltaic panel or a combined photovoltaic thermal collector panel. The provided electrical energy is preferably used to operate the pool equipment housed in the housing device and / or to charge an optional electrical energy storage device.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the solar panel is capable of providing thermal energy; it is therefore a heat collector panel or a hybrid photovoltaic heat collector panel. This is preferably used to heat swimming pool water. This can be achieved by directly passing the pool water through the panel, or alternatively by means of a heat exchanger, in which the medium heated by the heat collector panel transfers its thermal energy to the pool water.

[0018] Preferably, not just a single solar panel, but several are present, for example, two solar panels. One of these can be integrated into a roof surface and the other into a side wall of the housing of the pool equipment enclosure according to the invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the solar panel occupies the entire surface of the roof surface or the side wall into which it is integrated. Furthermore, preferably, the side wall or side surface is also formed by the solar panel, i.e., the panel assumes the structural function of the side wall or roof.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pool equipment housing consists of two opposing side walls of the same width but different heights, which are connected by correspondingly non-rectangular opposing side walls. The interior of the housing is closed off at the top by a single rectangular roof surface. The solar panel can be integrated into one of the side walls, but is preferably integrated into the roof surface, or the roof surface is formed by a solar panel.

[0020] In this preferred embodiment, the inclination angle of the roof surface is between 10 and 50 degrees, particularly between 25 and 40 degrees relative to the horizontal, and most preferably about 35 degrees. Alternatively, instead of a roof surface formed by the solar panel, the upper termination of the housing interior can also be a surface similar to a building wall, on which a solar panel is mounted, particularly one whose inclination angle is adjustable.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pool equipment housing device according to the invention has a floor surface connected to the side walls or surfaces to seal off the interior at the bottom. This ensures that the interior is enclosed on all sides and also protects against moisture penetration from below. Such a pool equipment housing device with a floor surface can also be easily designed as a portable module, in particular with carrying handles on two opposite sides, and with a floor surface that is sufficiently stable and firmly connected to the side walls to support its own weight and the additional weight of any equipment components mounted on it.

[0022] In a further preferred modular embodiment of the pool equipment housing according to the invention, it is also conceivable that it is prepared for connection to other similar pool equipment housing devices by having connections on the outside for receiving or transmitting electrical energy, or for the water to be pumped through the modules. Similar here does not mean that the interconnected pool equipment housing devices must actually all have the same elements. Rather, pool equipment housing devices with different components can also be combined. For example, one pool equipment module with a photovoltaic panel and one with a heat collector panel, in which case the properties of the two panels complement each other advantageously.The pool technology housed in the modules can also differ; for example, one of the modules may contain a filter system, another a chlorination system or, more generally, a water chemistry system, and possibly a third module a heating element.

[0023] Further advantages, features, and properties of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the figures. These are intended merely to illustrate the invention and in no way to limit its generality.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1A: A perspective rear view of a first embodiment of a pool equipment housing device according to the invention with a roof surface formed by a photovoltaic module. Fig. 1B: A perspective front view of a pool equipment housing device according to the first embodiment from Fig. 1A with closed doors. Fig. 1C: Another perspective front view of the embodiment of the pool equipment housing device according to the invention. Fig. 1A with doors open. Fig. 1D: Another perspective rear view of the embodiment of the pool equipment housing device according to the invention. Fig. 1A with doors open. Fig. 1E: A side view of the pool equipment housing device of the first embodiment according to the invention with the doors closed. Fig. 2: Perspective view of a second embodiment of a pool equipment housing device according to the invention with two solar panels mounted so that their inclination can be adjusted.

[0025] The Fig. Figures 1A-1E show different views of a first preferred embodiment of a pool equipment housing device according to the invention with an integrated solar panel.

[0026] As can be seen from the figures taken together, the pool equipment housing 1 comprises a housing 2 with four side surfaces 21, a roof surface 23, and a base surface 26. The side surfaces 21 include a rear wall 21k of lower height and two adjoining, non-rectangular side walls 21tr and 21tl, formed from a rectangle and a superimposed triangle, which connect to the taller front surface 21l of the housing 2. The front surface 21l is formed by two symmetrical, outwardly opening doors 25l, 25r. The interior space 20 of the housing 2, enclosed by the side surfaces 21, is closed off at the top by the roof surface 23 and at the bottom by the base surface 26. The roof surface 23 is formed by the solar panel 4, which is thus integrated into the pool equipment housing 1 according to the invention.The solar panel 4 can be a photovoltaic panel, a solar thermal collector panel, or a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal collector panel. In any case, it represents the solar energy it collects and converts for the pool technology 3 housed in the interior 20.

[0027] As exemplified in Fig. As shown in Figure 1C, the pool equipment 3 can comprise a circulation pump 3a for circulating the swimming pool water and a filter 3b for filtering the circulated water. This is the minimum pool equipment typically required for the continuous operation of a swimming pool. Additional pool equipment components can include a heating element or an (automatic) chlorination or general water chemistry system. The heating element can be supplemented by solar heat provided by the solar panel 4 integrated according to the invention, provided a suitable solar panel 4 is used.

[0028] The side walls can be designed in a slatted, fence-like style to allow for good air circulation, which is useful both for cooling the pool equipment and for removing any fumes from the water treatment system. Alternatively, some or all of the walls can have a solid structure, with one or more ventilation openings possible within the walls.

[0029] Some of the pool equipment can also be housed outside the interior of the enclosure 20, as is the case in the Fig. 1A - 1D visible external technical element in the form of a heat pump outdoor unit 5.

[0030] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a pool technology accommodation according to the invention.

[0031] In this embodiment, the pool equipment housing 1 has a cuboid-shaped enclosure 2 consisting of four rectangular vertical side surfaces 21, a rectangular base surface 26, and a roof surface 23, and two integrated solar panels 4. The base surface is formed by a floor that closes off the interior 20 of the enclosure 2 at the bottom and supports the pool equipment 3. When closed, the roof surface 23 is formed by a first or upper solar panel 40. This panel is connected to the rear wall 21 at its edge by one or more hinges, allowing it to be opened upwards. This provides, firstly, a first access point 240 to the interior 20 and to the pool equipment 3. Secondly, the inclination of the solar panel 40 can thus be advantageously adjusted, for example, to the position of the sun.

[0032] A second access point 24v, through which the pool technology 3 can be accessed from the front, is provided by the symmetrical, outwardly opening doors 25l and 25r.

[0033] For easier transport, carrying handles 27 are provided on the opposite side walls adjacent to doors 25r, 25l, arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner.

[0034] The pool equipment housing 1 of this second embodiment also has a second, rear solar panel 4h. This panel is also attached to the upper edge of the rear wall via one or more hinges and is therefore adjustable in its inclination. The second solar panel 4h can, for example, be pivoted from the position shown in the figure to a second position B, in which it rests against the rear wall 21.

[0035] Similarly, the upper solar panel 40 can be pivoted from the closed position or the position shown in the figure to a position A with a higher inclination relative to the horizontal. The described pivotability between the different positions is indicated in the figure by the curved arrows.

[0036] The pool technology housing according to the invention combines the advantages of the known (pool) technology boxes with a reduced energy requirement up to complete self-sufficiency. Reference symbol list 1 pool technology storage device 2 cases 21 Side surface / wall 21k lower height back panel 21l front surface / front greater height 21tl left side wall 21tr right side wall 23 Roof area 24 access 24o upper access 24v front access 25l left door 25r right door 26 Floor area, floor 27 carrying handles 3 Pool technology 3a Pump 3b Filter 4 solar panels 4o upper solar panel 4h rear solar panel 5 external pool equipment A unfolded position of 4o B at 21 folded position from 4h QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1028297 A2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Pool technology accommodation, comprehensive - a housing (2) comprising at least three, in particular four substantially vertical side surfaces (21, 21k, 21l, 21tr, 21tl) and at least one, in particular exactly one, roof surface (23), wherein the housing (2) encloses an interior space (20) protected against wind and weather, - at least one technical element (3) in the housing interior (20), such as a pump (3a), a filter (3b), a heating element and / or a water chemistry system, characterized by at least one solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) integrated into the pool technology housing (1). [2] Pool technology housing according to claim 1, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is integrated into the at least one roof surface (23), in particular the at least one roof surface (23) is formed by the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h). [3] Pool technology housing according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is integrated into one of the side surfaces (21). [4] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is adjustable in inclination. [5] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is adjustable in azimuth relative to the housing (2). [6] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it has an automatic tracking device with which the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) can be aligned towards the sun. [7] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is a photovoltaic panel, a solar heat collector panel, or a hybrid photovoltaic heat collector panel. [8] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel (4, 4o, 4h) is a photovoltaic or hybrid photovoltaic heat collector panel and the pool technology housing (1) comprises a storage device for electrical energy, which is accommodated in particular in the housing interior (20). [9] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein more than one solar panel (4) is present, in particular exactly two solar panels (4o, 4h). [10] Pool technology accommodation according to one of the preceding claims characterized by an access (24) to the housing interior (20) on or in one of the side surfaces (21) or the at least one roof surface (23), wherein in particular one, preferably two outwardly opening doors (25l, 25r) are provided in one of the side walls, and / or the roof surface (23) is pivotally connected to one of the side walls at one edge, so that the roof surface (23) can be opened upwards. [11] Pool technology housing according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises opposite rectangular side surfaces (21k, 211) of different heights, wherein an access (24) to the housing interior is provided in one of the two side surfaces (21k, 211), preferably the higher side surface (21l), and further comprising a single rectangular roof surface (23) with integrated solar panel (4) or a single solar panel (4) as roof surface (23). [12] Pool technology housing according to the preceding claim, wherein the roof surface (23) has an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal of between 10 degrees and 50 degrees, in particular between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. [13] Pool technology accommodation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a bottom surface (26) opposite the at least one roof surface (23) and connected to the side surfaces, which closes off the housing interior (20) at the bottom. [14] Pool technology housing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is portable, in particular is equipped with carrying handles (27) on opposite side surfaces (21) formed by side walls, and the base surface (26) is sufficiently stable and firmly connected to the side surfaces (21) to bear the weight of a technical element (3) fastened thereon. [15] Pool technology accommodation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is prepared to be modularly interconnected with other similar pool technology accommodations (1).

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